China promised to launch “targeted military action” in response to US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan.
Pelosi’s visit comes amid tensions between Washington and Beijing.
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“The Chinese People’s Liberation Army is on high alert and will launch a series of targeted military operations to counter this, resolutely defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and resolutely thwart external interference and separatist efforts for ‘Taiwan independence’,” a defense ministry spokesman said. China’s Wu Qian in a statement condemned the visit, as quoted AFP.
Chinese fighter jets have crossed the Taiwan Strait. This was reported by Beijing state media on Tuesday evening.
“China’s Su-35 fighter jet crossed the Taiwan Strait,” state TV CGTN reported, without adding further details.
The Taipei Foreign Ministry said US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan showed Washington’s “steadfast” support.
“We believe that Chairman Pelosi’s visit … will strengthen the close and friendly relationship between Taiwan and the United States, and further deepen global cooperation between the two sides in all fields,” Taipei’s foreign ministry said.
US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi arrives in Taiwan’s capital, Taipei, Tuesday (2/8). His presence marks significant support for Taiwan despite threats of retaliation from China for the visit.
A Taiwanese official said to CNN that Pelosi was expected to stay in Taipei overnight.
Pelosi’s arrival in Taiwan was not on the schedule for her congressional visit to Asia, but the stop had been discussed in the weeks leading up to her trip.
(afp/pmg)
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