Beijing: China began its military exercises around Taiwan on Thursday, as announced by the Chinese state television channel CCTV in the largest maneuvers ever organized in the vicinity of the island claimed by Beijing. The channel posted on the social media platform Weibo: "The exercises have begun." These maneuvers come in response to a visit by U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan, which Beijing regarded as a serious provocation. For its part, the Taiwanese armed forces confirmed on Thursday that they are "preparing for war without seeking it." The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense stated in a release that "the National Defense Ministry affirms it will adhere to the principle of preparing for war without seeking war."
Meanwhile, the ruling Democratic Progressive Party in Taiwan stated on Thursday that the Chinese military exercises escalate tensions in the region and described them as illegal. The party added that China is conducting exercises in the most crowded maritime routes and international airways, in a unilateral and irresponsible manner.
