Taiwan announces that Chinese warships and warplanes are approaching its surroundings, and Pelosi confirms: We will not allow Taiwan to be isolated

Taiwan announced - on Tuesday - that dozens of Chinese ships and warplanes moved in its vicinity, considering these maneuvers as preparation for the invasion, while US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi defended her recent visit to Taiwan.

The Taiwan Ministry of Defense stated that 10 ships and 45 Chinese warplanes moved today in the vicinity of its sea and air areas.

Earlier today, Taiwanese Foreign Minister Joseph Wu said - during a press conference - that China "used its military maneuvers and plans to prepare for the invasion of Taiwan," adding that "China's real intention is to change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait and the entire region."

"It (China) is conducting large-scale military exercises and missile launches, as well as cyber attacks, a disinformation campaign and economic pressure, in order to demoralize Taiwan," he added.

The Taiwanese foreign minister thanked Western allies for standing up to China, saying, "This sends a clear message to the world that democracy will not succumb to the intimidation of tyranny."

These statements coincided with the Taiwanese army conducting live ammunition exercises in Ping Tong County, simulating repelling an attack targeting the island, and will continue until Thursday.

The Taiwanese Central News Agency "CNA" (CNA) said that during the exercises, the army will fire 78 rounds of a 155 mm howitzer and 6 mortars of a caliber of 120 mm.

Pelosi visit

On the other hand, US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi defended - today, Tuesday - her visit to Taiwan, describing it as "absolutely" worth doing.

"We cannot allow the Chinese government to isolate Taiwan," Pelosi said - in an interview on "NBC" - "They will not determine who can go to Taiwan."

Pelosi considered that Chinese President Xi Jinping is in an economically fragile position and is trying to isolate Taiwan, adding, "We will not be partners in these attempts."

Pelosi's visit last week infuriated China, which considers the self-governing island a province, and responded by launching test ballistic missiles over Taipei for the first time, in addition to abandoning some channels of dialogue with Washington.

US President Joe Biden said yesterday, "I am concerned about (China's) moves...but I don't think they will do anything more than they are."