China continues military exercises near Taiwan
In this photo released by the Xinhua News Agency, fighter jets from the Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) conduct a joint combat training exercise around the island of Taiwan, the Sunday, August 7, 2022. AP - Gong Yulong
Text by: RFI Follow
2 mins
Despite international calls for de-escalation, China continues its show of force to protest against the visit to Taiwan of the American number three Nancy Pelosi.
A week after the stay of the Speaker of the House of Representatives on the island that China considers a rebel province, the Chinese army continues its maneuvers around Taiwan.
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The Chinese command has confirmed the continuation of joint exercises in the air and at sea around Taiwan.
This announcement comes after a first initial phase of four days of operations which aimed to simulate a maritime and air blockade of the island, involving fighter planes, warships, drones and ballistic missiles.
According to communist propaganda, these operations are the largest ever carried out by the Chinese army in the region.
For the first time, Chinese missiles would have flown over the island, still according to state media.
►Also read:
What lessons can be learned from Chinese military maneuvers in the Taiwan Strait?
Growing Chinese pressure
For their part, the Taiwanese authorities have also announced the holding of live ammunition exercises.
Soldiers and howitzers will be deployed this week to simulate an invasion of the island by China.
Local leaders refute any reaction to the exercises conducted for several days by the Chinese army.
The democratic island regularly organizes such exercises aimed at repelling Chinese attacks.
But it is clear that Chinese pressure continues to increase in the region, despite international criticism.
Washington denounced the total disproportion of the Chinese maneuvers.
Opposite, Beijing defends a justified reaction and blames the United States, accused of being the troublemakers.
►Also read:
Taiwan: Chinese military exercises threaten the global supply chain
A map of Chinese military maneuvers around Taiwan.
© FMM Graphic Studio
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