Beijing: China’s military announced fresh military drills in seas and airspace around Taiwan a day after scheduled end of its largest ever exercises to protest against last week’s visit to Taipei by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. China’s Eastern Theatre Command said it would conduct joint drills focusing on anti-submarine and sea assault operations confirming fears of some security analysts and diplomats that Beijing would continue to maintain pressure on Taiwan’s defenses.

Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan last week infuriated China, which regards self-ruled island as its own and responded with test launches of ballistic missiles over Taipei for first time, as well as ditching some lines of dialogue with Washington.

Duration and precise location of latest drills is not yet known, but Taiwan has already eased flight restrictions near six earlier Chinese exercise areas surrounding island.

Shortly before latest drills were announced, Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen met visiting St. Vincent and Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, telling him she was moved by his determination to visit despite China’s military pressure. It was unclear if Tsai had invited Gonsalves before or after Pelosi’s visit. “We don’t disclose internal planning or communications between governments,” Taiwanese foreign ministry said when asked by Reuters.

Shortly before those drills ended on Sunday, about 10 warships each from China and Taiwan maneuvered at close quarters around unofficial median line of Taiwan Strait, according to a person familiar with situation who is involved with security planning.

Published in The Daily National Courier, August, 08 2022

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