Taiwan: China condemns Pelosi’s visit, launches military operation 

China has condemned U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan describing it as a threat to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

China’s foreign ministry said the visit has a severe impact on the political foundation of China-U.S. relations and seriously infringes upon China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The ministry said it has lodged a strong protest with the United States.

China’s defense ministry said the Chinese military has been put on high alert and will launch “targeted military operations.”

Also read: North Korea criticises U.S Speaker’s Taiwan visit

Reports say the Chinese military will conduct live-firing drills and other exercises around Taiwan from August 4 to August 7.

The People’s Liberation Army’s Eastern Theatre Command said it will conduct joint military operations near Taiwan from Tuesday night.

The Command said the exercises will include joint air and sea drills in the north, southwest, and southeast of Taiwan, long-range live firing in the Taiwan Strait, and missile test launches in the sea east of Taiwan.

White House national security spokesman John Kirby said after Pelosi’s arrival that the United States “is not going to be intimidated” by China’s threats or bellicose rhetoric and that there is no reason her visit should precipitate a crisis or conflict.

“We will continue to support Taiwan, defend a free and open Indo-Pacific and seek to maintain communication with Beijing,” Kirby said.

Kirby said China might engage in “economic coercion” toward Taiwan, adding that the impact on American-Chinese relations will depend on Beijing’s actions in the coming days and weeks.

Zainab Sa’id