China has started its biggest-ever military exercises in the seas around Taiwan following US politician Nancy Pelosi’s visit, reports BBC.
Pelosi made a brief but controversial visit to Taiwan, which China regards as a breakaway province. Taiwan said China was trying to change the status quo in the region.
The exercises are due to take place in busy waterways and will include long-range live ammunition shooting, Beijing says.
Taiwan says it amounts to a sea and air blockade while the US said the drills were irresponsible and could spiral out of control.
Japan has also expressed concern to China over the areas covered by the military drills, which it says overlaps with its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Taiwan said it scrambled jets to warn off Chinese warplanes on Wednesday, August 3rd and its military fired flares to drive away unidentified aircraft over the Kinmen islands, located close to the China mainland.
Taiwan has also asked ships to take different routes and is negotiating with Japan and the Philippines to find alternative aviation routes.