Following US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s historic visit to Taiwan that ended on August 4, the Chinese military begins its largest-ever drills around Taiwan and gets closer to the island than ever before, with Russia’s backing. It launches multiple missiles into Taiwan’s waters and crosses the Taiwan Strait median line (unofficial but so far respected de facto border between China and Taiwan), warning against foreign interference; meanwhile Taiwan “prepares for war without seeking war.”
Between August 4 and August 13, Chinese missiles fly over Taiwan for the first time; its planes and ships cross the median line again multiple times as its foreign ministry announces sanctions against US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi over her visit and puts on hold key dialogues with the US, including climate and military talks. For the first time, China carries out simulated attack drills as well.
On August 14, a delegation of five US lawmakers visit in Taiwan (unannounced), triggering a new series of military drills around the island by the Chinese army.
What is most concerning about these Chinese military exercises is that — also for the first time — they are carried out with live ammunition, which means that at anytime the exercises can be converted into an instant attack; and, being closer than ever to Taiwan, missiles for the first time have landed in Japan’s economic zone. Here is a map of the areas hit by Chinese missiles (screenshot of DW video):
September 1 Taiwan’s defence shoots down civilian drone
Taiwan shoots down an unidentified civilian drone near Kinmen Islands, its defence ministry said on Thursday.
Breaking: #Taiwan's Kinmen Defense Command said it has shot down an unknown civilian drone near Kinmen after the usual protocol to repel the drone fail to achieve the goal. This is the first time that shots fired by Taiwanese army has shot down a suspected Chinese drone.
— William Yang (@WilliamYang120) September 1, 2022
The drone, according to Taiwan, was shot down after attempts to repel it failed.
August 31 Taiwan promises to counter-attack if China enters its territory
Taiwan’s defence says it will exercise its right to self-defence and counter-attack if the Chinese military enters its territory.
“For aircraft and ships that entered our sea and air territory of 12 nautical miles, the national army will exercise right to self-defence and counter attack without exception,” Taiwan’s defence official Lin Wen-Huang told reporters on Wednesday.
August 30 Taiwan fires warning shots at Chinese drone
Shortly after President of Taiwan Tsai Ing-wen orders the military to “take strong countermeasures” against what she describes as Chinese provocations, Taiwan fires warning shots at a Chinese drone — the first such warning shots since the new tensions began earlier in August.
Taiwan shoots at Chinese drone after president warns of 'strong countermeasures' https://t.co/GkwtYW07yj pic.twitter.com/RRrZbEFYnb
— Reuters (@Reuters) August 30, 2022
According to Taiwan’s military, the drone returned to China after the shots were fired.
August 29 Biden prepares $1.1bn arms sale to Taiwan
US President Joe Biden plans to ask Congress to approve an arms sale to Taiwan worth $1.1 billion, Politico reports, citing three sources familiar with Biden’s proposed package.
U.S.-based media outlet Politico claims the Biden administration plans to ask Congress to approve a US$1.1 billion arms sale to Taiwan that includes anti-ship and air-to-air missiles, and also extends a radar surveillance contract. pic.twitter.com/lmCKQ3Wtau
— TaiwanPlus (@taiwanplusnews) August 30, 2022
The package would include 60 anti-ship missiles and 100 air-to-air missiles, and would extend a surveillance radar contract.
August 28 US warships enter Taiwan Strait
Two American warships sail through the Taiwan Strait, the de facto border between China and Taiwan, AP reports.
While US warships routinely sailed through the strait in the past, this is the first time they cross the Taiwan Strait since US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s historic visit to the island earlier this month.
“Guided-missile cruisers USS Antietam and USS Chancellorsville are conducting a routine Taiwan Strait transit August 28 through waters where high seas freedoms of navigation and overflight apply in accordance with international law,” the US Navy writes in a statement. “The ship’s transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the United States’ commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
The U.S. Navy is sailing two warships through the Taiwan Strait in the first such transit publicized since House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan earlier in August. https://t.co/uOyKvmrm45
— The Associated Press (@AP) August 28, 2022
August 25 Another US delegation visits Taiwan
Another US delegation visits Taiwan on August 25, local media report.
BREAKING: A visiting U.S. delegation onboard a U.S. Army UC-35A is expected to land in Taipei later tonight.
— Tingting Liu 劉亭廷 (@tingtingliuTVBS) August 25, 2022
Their trip marks the fourth visit to the island by US officials this month.
August 25 Taiwan proposes record defence spending in 2023
Taiwan proposes spending $19.4 billion on defence in 2023, almost 14% more than in 2022 according to Reuters.
Taiwan unveils record defence budget of 586.3 billion New Taiwan dollars ($19.41bn) amid tensions with China https://t.co/bazP25SrU7 pic.twitter.com/bqjkuvxT1e
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) August 25, 2022
Provided the proposal is approved by the parliament, it would mark Taiwan’s highest yearly defence spending to date, and the sixth consecutive year of defence budget growth.
August 21 Chinese military continues activities around the island, Taiwan says
Taiwan detects five Chinese ships and 12 planes around the island, its defence ministry says.
TAIPEI, Aug 20 (Reuters) – Taiwan's defence ministry said 17 Chinese aircraft and five Chinese ships were detected operating around Taiwan on Saturday as Beijing continued military activities near the island.
— Idrees Ali (@idreesali114) August 20, 2022
Five of those planes cross the Taiwan Strait median line, the de facto border between China and Taiwan, the ministry adds.
August 21 Indiana governor visits Taiwan
The governor of Indiana arrives in Taipei, marking the second visit by US officials to the island since House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s historic two-day trip earlier this month.
Indiana governor latest U.S. official to visit Taiwan https://t.co/PToz4L581B pic.twitter.com/718ekhfDp9
— Reuters (@Reuters) August 21, 2022
August 15 China launches new military drills
Chinese military reports it is carrying out new exercises in the seas and airspace around Taiwan over US lawmakers’ visit, Reuters reports.
China's military said it carried out more exercises near Taiwan as a group of U.S. lawmakers visited the Chinese-claimed island and met President Tsai Ing-wen, in what Beijing said was an infringement of its sovereignty https://t.co/eQDbB3k0a5
— Reuters (@Reuters) August 15, 2022
In its statement, China’s military describes the drills as a “stern deterrent to the United States and Taiwan continuing to play political tricks and undermine peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait,” adding that it “continues to train and prepare for war.”
Aug. 14, 19:47 American lawmakers arrive in Taiwan
Five US lawmakers, including Senator Ed Markey, arrive in Taipei (unannounced) as part of what is described as a larger trip to the Indio-Pacific. The visit comes 12 days after US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s historic trip to the island, and marks the second visit to Taiwan by high-level US officials this month.
US delegation of lawmakers arrives in Taiwan for a two-day visit during which they will meet President Tsai Ing-wen https://t.co/wO1pHsc9Cv pic.twitter.com/168ElihQBr
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) August 14, 2022
“Especially at a time when China is raising tensions in the Taiwan Strait and the region with military exercises, Markey leading a delegation to visit Taiwan once again demonstrates the United States Congress’ firm support for Taiwan,” writes Taiwan’s presidential office in a statement.
Aug. 13, 15:19 Chinese aircraft cross medial line (again), Taiwan says
Taiwan’s ministry of defence reports that 13 Chinese air force planes crossed the median line again on Saturday, according to Reuters.
Taiwan says 13 Chinese air force planes crossed Taiwan Strait median line https://t.co/tEB4yTw8fy pic.twitter.com/8sZJAxoeVp
— Reuters (@Reuters) August 13, 2022
Aug. 13, 15:31 Taiwan thanks America for maintaining peace and security
As Reuters reports, “Taiwan’s foreign ministry on Saturday expressed ‘sincere gratitude’ towards the United States for taking ‘concrete actions’ to maintain security and peace in the Taiwan Strait and the region.”
"Sincere Gratitude: Taiwan Thanks US for Maintaining Security In Region https://t.co/VbiAaEjYpR pic.twitter.com/4oDlqacUJz
— NDTV News feed (@ndtvfeed) August 13, 2022
Aug. 10, 12:13 China ends unprecedented military exercises around Taiwan
Chinese military announces it is ending its largest-ever military drills around Taiwan, which began following US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit on August 3.
China announces end of large-scale military drills near Taiwanhttps://t.co/gVbAFSAV9z
— Kyodo News | Japan (@kyodo_english) August 10, 2022
According to the military’s spokesperson, the drills were “completed successfully” but don’t mark an end to further “training and war preparation,” which the spokesperson says will continue.
Aug. 10, 10:44 China takes back previous promise to not send troops to Taiwan “after unification”
Chinese government releases a white paper on Taiwan repeating its resolve to annex Taiwan by force if doing so by “peaceful means” doesn’t work out.
“We will work with the greatest sincerity and exert our utmost efforts to achieve peaceful reunification. But we will not renounce the use of force, and we reserve the option of taking all necessary measures,” the paper reads.
As Reuters points out, China’s previous two papers on Taiwan, published in 1993 and 2000, both included a promise “to not send troops or administrative personnel to be based in Taiwan” after “unification.” Today’s paper, titled, “The Taiwan Question and China’s Reunification in the New Era,” includes no such promise.
China has withdrawn a promise not to send troops or administrators to Taiwan if it takes control of the island, an official document showed, signaling a decision by President Xi Jinping to grant less autonomy than previously offered https://t.co/I3JxV6wzo5
— Reuters (@Reuters) August 10, 2022
Aug. 10, 09:55 China continues drills around Taiwan
China extends its unprecedented, largest-ever military drills around Taiwan, Reuters reports, adding that “Chinese navy ships remained active off both Taiwan’s east and west coasts on Wednesday morning.”
About 20 Chinese and Taiwanese ships stay close to median line in Taiwan Strait while several Chinese ships continue missions off the island's eastern coast
— Reuters pic.twitter.com/rgX7ySPUGi— EHA News (@eha_news) August 10, 2022
The drills, which were scheduled to end after four days (on Sunday), so far included China’s launching of missiles over the island for the first time, China’s ships and planes crossing the median line multiple times and getting closer to the island than ever before, and simulated attacks with live ammunition (also unprecedented).
Aug. 9, 10:04 China used military exercises to prepare for invasion, Taiwan says
According to Taiwan’s foreign minister Joseph Wu, China used its military drills last week to prepare for an invasion.
Taiwanese foreign minister says China drills part of a game-plan for invasion https://t.co/2BjXS686TM pic.twitter.com/NwbmkuYENx
— Reuters (@Reuters) August 9, 2022
“China has used the drills in its military playbook to prepare for the invasion of Taiwan,” Wu said. “It is conducting large-scale military exercises and missile launches, as well as cyber-attacks, disinformation, and economic coercion, in an attempt to weaken public morale in Taiwan.”
Aug. 9, 07:59 China’s drills around Taiwan continue, says Chinese military
Chinese military continues to carry out exercises on Tuesday, the military says, Reuters reports.
China military: continue to hold drills around Taiwan on Tuesday https://t.co/hsN2RdvAXZ pic.twitter.com/1ehOGYiUzp
— Reuters (@Reuters) August 9, 2022
The focus, according to the military, is now be on blockades and resupply logistics.
Aug. 8, 11:51 China announces new military drills around Taiwan
A day after the scheduled end to China’s largest-ever military drills around Taiwan, August 7, Chinese military announces new military drills around Taiwan.
China's military announces new round of drills near Taiwan over Nancy Pelosi’s visit https://t.co/DPUNEP22nn pic.twitter.com/aMy0d8wU7f
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) August 8, 2022
As Reuters reports, China’s military said it would “conduct joint drills focusing on anti-submarine and sea assault operations.”
Aug. 7, 16:52 China concludes unprecedented military drills after four days
Chinese military ends the four-day military exercises around Taiwan (the largest to date), triggered by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s historic visit to Taipei (the first visit by US high-level official in 25 years).
China concludes Taiwan drills with ‘island saturation attack’, ‘bomber deterrence flights’ @spatranobis https://t.co/wVtTgBhPta
— Hindustan Times (@HindustanTimes) August 7, 2022
Aug. 7, 04:42 Chinese military continues to cross median line
In Sunday’s drills, Taiwan’s defence ministry detected 66 Chinese aircraft and 14 ships carrying out military exercises in and around the Taiwan Strait (unofficial buffer zone separating China and Taiwan), the ministry told Reuters.
TAIPEI, Aug 7 (Reuters) – Taiwan's defence ministry said it had detected 66 Chinese air force planes and 14 Chinese warships conducting activities in and around the Taiwan Strait on Sunday.
— Idrees Ali (@idreesali114) August 7, 2022
Aug. 6, 02:13 China warns Australia against involvement
Chinese embassy in Australia condemns a joint statement from Australia, US and Japan condemning China’s launching of missiles in Japan’s exclusive economic zones and calling for an end to military drills.
#Breaking Australia, Japan and the United States issued a joint statement in the wake of the 55th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting. The three sides condemned China's launch of ballistic missiles, and urged Beijing to immediately cease military operations. pic.twitter.com/CjEU0dr4Pl
— Bang Xiao 萧邦 (@BangXiao_) August 6, 2022
“It is absolutely unacceptable for the finger-pointing on China’s justified actions to safeguard state sovereignty and territorial integrity. We firmly oppose and sternly condemn this,” Chinese embassy spokesperson says.
China’s embassy erupts after FM Penny Wong joined the US and Japan in condemning Beijing’s blasting of 11 ballistic missiles towards Taiwan.
Says China “the victim”.
Says Australia should remember behavior of “Japan’s Fascists”.
Says it is the “US that should be condemned”. pic.twitter.com/ApNmZtcmrM
— Will Glasgow (@wmdglasgow) August 6, 2022
Aug. 6, 20:41 White House: China’s drills are “provocative” and “irresponsible”
According to Reuters, a White House spokesperson says China is using military drills to “change the status quo.”
White House condemns China’s ‘irresponsible’ overreaction to Pelosi’s Taipei stopoverhttps://t.co/DnqTWltNO1 pic.twitter.com/iB31G54Tui
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) August 5, 2022
“These activities are a significant escalation in China’s efforts to change the status quo. They are provocative, irresponsible, and raise the risk of miscalculation,” the spokesperson said. “They are also at odds with our long-standing goal of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, which is what the world expects.”
Aug. 6, 15:34 China accuses US of interfering in its internal affairs
In a tweet published Saturday, China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying writes that the US should have stopped US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan and that it should “stop showing muscles at China’s doorsteps,” accusing it of interfering with China’s internal affairs.
Talking about "responsible" @StateDept, the US should have stopped #Pelosi's visit to #Taiwan and stop showing muscles at China’s doorsteps, stop interfering in China’s internal affairs,…
— Hua Chunying 华春莹 (@SpokespersonCHN) August 6, 2022
Aug. 6, 14:11 Chinese planes cross median line again, Taiwan scrambles jets
After 14 China’s aircraft cross the Taiwan strait median line on Saturday, Taiwan’s defence ministry announces it is scrambling jets to warn away the Chinese planes.
Aug. 6, 11:31 China continues drills around Taiwan “as planned”
The Chinese army announces it is continuing military drills north, southwest and east of Taiwan, Reuters reports.
The focus, according to the People’s Liberation Army, is now on testing land strike and sea assault capabilities. Earlier on Saturday, Taiwan’s ministry of defence said it believes China was simulating an attack on Taiwan.
Taiwan accuses China of ‘simulating’ invasion as military drills continue https://t.co/ipkypFwV5d pic.twitter.com/7nXjokDrlN
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) August 6, 2022
Aug. 5, 07:23 Senior Taiwanese official dies of heart attack
Senior official leading Taiwan’s missile production program Ou Yang Li-hsing is found dead in a hotel in southern Taiwan, local media report.
Taiwan official leading missile production died of heart attack – official media https://t.co/SUCW0xrbAU pic.twitter.com/D8RhCYREk3
— Reuters (@Reuters) August 6, 2022
Ou Yang Li-hsing was the deputy head of the Taiwan defence ministry’s research and development unit and died of heart attack at 57, according to official reports.
Reuters’ Taiwan correspondent writes that authorities say “there was no sign of an external intrusion in the hotel room of 57-year-old Ou Yang.”
A senior official leading Taiwan's missile production program died of a heart attack, according to official media. Authorities said there was no sign of an external intrusion in the hotel room of 57-year-old Ou Yang
— Yimou Lee (@YimouLee) August 6, 2022
Aug. 5, 06:11 Chinese military carries out attack drills, says Taiwan
Chinese planes and ships carry out simulation attack drills on the main island, according to Taiwan’s ministry of defence.
Taiwan says Chinese planes, ships carry out attack simulation exercise https://t.co/OjAooGNw8w pic.twitter.com/gJpKeDxKQK
— Reuters (@Reuters) August 6, 2022
The ministry adds that several of these aircraft and ships crossed the median line again this morning.
Multiple PLA craft were detected around Taiwan Strait, some have crossed the median line. Possible simulated attack against HVA. #ROCArmedForces have utilized alert broadcast, aircraft in CAP, patrolling naval vessels, and land-based missile systems in response to this situation.
— 國防部 Ministry of National Defense, R.O.C. 🇹🇼 (@MoNDefense) August 6, 2022
Aug. 5, 13:41 68 Chinese planes and 13 ships cross the median line
According to Taiwan’s ministry of defence, 68 Chinese planes and 13 warships had crossed the median line today, the unofficial but previously respected buffer between Taiwan and China.
TAIPEI, Aug 5 (Reuters) – Taiwan's defence ministry said on Friday a total of 68 Chinese military aircraft and 13 navy ships were conducting missions in the sensitive Taiwan Strait and some of them have "deliberately" crossed an unofficial buffer separating the two sides.
— Idrees Ali (@idreesali114) August 5, 2022
Aug. 5, 12:10 China stops cooperating with US on multiple issues, including climate change
China’s foreign ministry announces it is stopping dialogue with the US on a range of issues.
JUST IN: China says it will halt all talks with the US over military and climate change issues following Nancy Pelosi’s trip to Taiwan https://t.co/A0mA9MXalO pic.twitter.com/yzyXGoluc9
— Bloomberg (@business) August 5, 2022
This includes climate talks, military dialogue, cooperation on crime as well as maritime safety mechanisms and relationships on immigration and anti-drug policies, Reuters reports.
Aug. 5, 11:41 White House summons Chinese ambassador
The US summons the Chinese ambassador to the White House, the Washington Post reports.
Chinese ambassador called to White House amid tensions over Pelosi Taiwan visit https://t.co/2bT3X23hjU pic.twitter.com/34fD794II6
— The Hill (@thehill) August 5, 2022
“After China’s actions overnight, we summoned Ambassador Qin Gang to the White House to démarche him about the PRC’s provocative actions,” the White House writes in a statement.
Aug. 5, 10:33 China to sanction Pelosi over visit
Chinese foreign ministry announces it will impose sanctions against US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and her relatives because of her “vicious and provocative” trip to Taiwan, which marked the most senior US politician visit to the island in 25 years and prompted drills by the Chinese military.
China sanctions US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi over #Taiwan visit- foreign ministry, reports AFP
Track updates https://t.co/baATDJhoky pic.twitter.com/O14FhQwhz5
— Hindustan Times (@htTweets) August 5, 2022
“Despite China’s serious concerns and firm opposition, Pelosi insisted on visiting Taiwan, seriously interfering in China’s internal affairs, undermining China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, trampling on the one-China policy, and threatening the peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait,” Chinese foreign ministry said.
Aug. 5, 10:08 Blinken warns against China’s “provocative” actions
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken tells reporters at the ASEAN Regional Forum meeting that “there was no possible justification” for what China did in response to Pelosi’s visit, which he describes as “peaceful.”
Photo Credit: State Department/Ron Przysucha.
Blinken also warns against China’s “provocative” actions that he says could escalate and destabilize the region.
Aug. 5, 07:29 Missiles fly over Taiwan for the first time, says China
Chinese missiles reportedly fly over Taiwan as part of the latest drill, marking the first time they cross the island.
Taiwan slams 'evil neighbour' China after missiles fly over island https://t.co/HB0sUVAXzP pic.twitter.com/xMufnXhU4K
— Reuters (@Reuters) August 5, 2022
“Our exercises this time included live-firing tests, and it was the first time they crossed Taiwan island,” says professor at Chinese National Defence University Meng Xiangqing.
Aug. 5, 06:34 Taiwan dispatches ships and planes
After Chinese vessels and planes crossed the median line this morning, Taiwan’s ministry of defence says it has deployed missile systems and dispatched ships and planes.
Aug. 5, 06:11 Chinese ships and planes cross median line
Multiple Chinese ships and planes cross the median line again, Taiwan’s ministry of defence announces.
Multiple PLA aircraft and vessels were detected participating in drills around Taiwan Strait and have crossed the median line. #ROCArmedForces have utilized alert broadcast, aircraft in CAP, patrolling naval vessels, and land-based missile systems in response to this situation. pic.twitter.com/lVpRWCZxhm
— 國防部 Ministry of National Defense, R.O.C. 🇹🇼 (@MoNDefense) August 5, 2022
According to Reuters’ source in Taiwan, “around 10 Chinese navy ships crossed the median line and remained in the area on Friday morning, and about 20 Chinese military aircraft briefly crossed the median line.”
Aug. 5, 04:28 Pelosi: China will not isolate Taiwan
Following her historic visit to Taiwan, US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says the US will not allow Bejing to isolate Taiwan.
As our Delegation concludes our visit to the Indo-Pacific, we return strengthened and informed by our travels.
Join us live for insight into how we will continues working to build a free and open Indo-Pacific upon returning to the United States. https://t.co/DnV5p729jC
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) August 5, 2022
“They may try to keep Taiwan from visiting or participating in other places, but they will not isolate Taiwan by preventing us to travel there,” Pelosi tells reporters at a press conference in Tokyo.
Aug. 5, 03:41 Japan: China’s drills a “serious problem” for national security
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida condemns China’s drills around Taiwan and says they are a “serious problem that impacts our national security and the safety of our citizens.”
#UPDATE Japan's PM Fumio Kishida condemns China's firing of ballistic missiles during military drills around Taiwan, five of which Tokyo believes landed in its exclusive economic zone.
It is a "serious problem that impacts our national security and the safety of our citizens" pic.twitter.com/4lLbnA75Z6
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) August 5, 2022
“China’s actions this time around have a serious impact on the peace and stability of our region and the international community,” Kishida tells reporters.
Aug. 4, 15:54 Tokyo protests to China after missiles hit its EEZ
“We have protested strongly through diplomatic channels,” Japanese Defence Minister Nobuo Kish tells reporters after five ballistic missiles, launched by China, reportedly fell in Japan’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Japan protests after Chinese missiles land in its exclusive economic zone https://t.co/kFW40iF581 pic.twitter.com/p5ZROGdlqQ
— Reuters (@Reuters) August 4, 2022
“To have five Chinese missiles fall within Japan’s EEZ like this is a first,” Kishi adds.
Aug. 4, 15:25 President Tsai Ing-wen: Taiwan will not provoke, but it will defend itself
Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen says that while Taiwan will not provoke, it will “defend itself.”
“We are calm, rational and not provocative but will not shirk,” she adds, describing China’s military exercises as “irresponsible” to both Taiwan and the international community.
Aug. 4, 14:33 NATO Chief: China “should not overreact” to Pelosi visit
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg says China should not overreact to Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taipei.
“The visit of Nancy Pelosi is no reason for China to overreact or threaten Taiwan nor to use threatening rhetoric,” Stoltenberg said.
Aug. 4, 14:16 Five Chinese missiles land in Japan’s exclusive economic zone
Five ballistic missiles launched by China land in Japan’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), says Japanese defense minister Nobuo Kishi, adding that it is the first such incident in Japan.
#UPDATE Ballistic missiles fired by China are believed to have landed in Japan's exclusive economic zone for the first time, Japanese Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi said Thursday.
📸 Tourists on Pingtan Island look at the smoke trail from Chinese projectiles pic.twitter.com/ZTif3LePvZ
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) August 4, 2022
“China seems to have launched nine ballistic missiles between around 15:00 and past 16:00 today. Five of them are presumed to have landed in Japan’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ),” Japanese defense ministry says.
Aug. 4, 13:52 US reconnaissance plane seen flying over the South China Sea
An American reconnaissance aircraft, used to collect data on ballistic targets, was spotted flying over the South China Sea.
Aug. 4, 13:34 Chinese state media shares video of missiles launched at Taiwan waters
WATCH: PLA Eastern Theater Command Rocket Force launched conventional missiles to designated waters in the east of the island of Taiwan on Thu pic.twitter.com/WpFURLeN8X
— Global Times (@globaltimesnews) August 4, 2022
Aug. 4, 13:26 Taiwan condemns China’s drills and missile launches
Taiwan “strongly condemns” China’s military exercise and missile launches, the country’s foreign ministry writes in a statement.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of the Republic of China (Taiwan) strongly condemns the Chinese government for following the example of North Korea in wilfully test-firing missiles into waters near other countries, and demands that China exercise self-restraint”, the statement reads.
Aug. 4, 13:01 Russia backs China: Pelosi’s visit “an unnecessary provocation,” Kremlin says
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov accuses the US of provoking tensions and defends China’s actions, saying military drills are “China’s sovereign right.”
Kremlin says China has the right to hold military drills around Taiwan https://t.co/AMwwzC8Lf9 pic.twitter.com/sYIVdWIjQ2
— Reuters (@Reuters) August 4, 2022
“The tension in the region and around Taiwan was provoked… by the visit of Nancy Pelosi,” Peskov said. “It was an absolutely unnecessary visit and an unnecessary provocation.”
Aug. 4, 12:59 China cancels meeting with Japan
Chinese foreign ministry says the meeting between its Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Japanese counterpart has been canceled.
The meeting was supposed to take place in Cambodia as part of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) event and was canceled following G7 ministers’ calls on China to end the dispute peacefully.
Aug. 4, 12:51 China launches 11 Dongfeng missiles into waters near Taiwan
According to the Taiwan Ministry of Defense, China launched 11 Dongfeng ballistic missiles into waters near Taiwan today.
Taiwan says China has launched 11 Dongfeng ballistic missiles into waters off the island's northern, southern and eastern coasts, as Beijing continues its biggest show of force in the region in decades. pic.twitter.com/EJ37cbFy38
— DW News (@dwnews) August 4, 2022
As the Guardian points out, the last time this happened was in 1996.
Aug. 4, 12:42 China blocks Taiwanese citrus fruits and fish imports (August 4)
Chinese government blocks imports of citrus fruits and mackerel fish from Taiwan, but avoids limiting imports of processor chips that Chinese factories need to assemble cell phones and other electronics.
Aug. 4, 12:36 Taiwan cancels flights due to China’s drills
Government of Taiwan cancels a number of passenger flights as a result of China’s military drills.
Taiwan has canceled airline flights as the Chinese navy fire artillery near the island in retaliation for a top American lawmaker’s visit, but the possible impact on shipments of processor chips and other goods needed by global industries was unclear. https://t.co/BGH07dnwgU
— The Associated Press (@AP) August 4, 2022
Aug. 4, 11:51 Chinese military gets closer to Taiwan than in 1996
China's military exercises around Taiwan in August 2022 and March 1996 (Third Taiwan Strait crisis). This time, some exercise areas overlap with Taiwan's territorial waters, an apparent escalation. pic.twitter.com/egw4hyu5U5
— Duan Dang (@duandang) August 2, 2022
Aug. 4, 11:25 Taiwan: China launches ballistic missiles into waters around the Island
Taiwan defense ministry says several Dongfeng ballistic missiles were launched into Taiwanese waters in the northeast and southwest.
Aug. 4, 09:48 China launches two missiles near Taiwanese islands
According to Taiwan, China launched two missiles near Taiwan’s Matsu islands (off the coast of China).
China launches two missiles as Taiwanese military says it is 'preparing for war' but not seeking it | Live updates
— Sky News (@SkyNews) August 4, 2022
These drills, Taiwan says, invade Taiwan’s territorial space, violating UN rules and challenging air and sea navigation.
Aug. 4, 09:43 Chinese ships cross Strait median line
Taiwanese official tells Reuters that around 10 Chinese ships briefly crossed the Strait median line separating China and Taiwan.
Chinese navy ships and military aircraft briefly crossed the Taiwan Strait median line on Thursday morning, a Taiwan source briefed on the matter told Reuters on Thursday.#china #taiwan https://t.co/Q1MWIK5ZEC
— Economic Times (@EconomicTimes) August 4, 2022
Aug. 4, 09:38 Taiwan military: “Preparing for war without seeking war”
In a statement, Taiwan’s defense ministry says its military is on high alert as the country prepares for war without seeking it.
“The Ministry of National Defence stresses that it will uphold the principle of preparing for war without seeking war, and with an attitude of not escalating conflict and causing disputes,” the statement reads.
Aug 4, 09:26 China begins its largest-ever military drills around Taiwan
In response to Pelosi’s visit, the Chinese military launches exercises by its navy, air force and other departments in six zones around Taiwan.
China begins a series of military drills in Taiwan Strait as a response to US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's highly controversial visit to Taiwan pic.twitter.com/Q42LvMdwfi
— TRT World Now (@TRTWorldNow) August 4, 2022
Aug. 3, 18:59 G7 urges China to resolve dispute by “peaceful means”
G7 foreign ministers say there is “no justification” to use Nancy Pelosi’s visit as a pretext for “aggressive military activity,” calling on China to resolve tensions peacefully.
Aug. 3, 18:56 North Korea “vehemently denounces” interference by “external forces”
“We vehemently denounce any external force’s interference in the issue of Taiwan, and fully support the Chinese government’s just stand to resolutely defend the sovereignty of the country and territorial integrity,” North Korean government spokesperson said.
Related Articles: Tensions Heighten Between China and Taiwan, as Military Operations Increase
Aug. 3, 16:46 Chinese jets enter Taiwan’s air defense zone
More than 20 Chinese aircraft cross the Taiwan Strait median line that separates the island from China, Taiwanese defense ministry reports.
NEW: 27 Chinese warplanes enter Taiwan’s air defence zone: Taipeihttps://t.co/DmYuI6qlzJ
— Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) August 4, 2022
Aug. 3, 14:11 Chinese diplomacy chief warns: “Those who offend China will be punished”
Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi tells reporters following Pelosi’s departure: “Those who play with fire will perish by it and those who offend China will be punished.”
#Latest Wang Yi on #Pelosi's #Taiwan trip: Those who offend China will be punished –bit.ly/3OTM07ppic.twitter.com/l4prJQ75Dh
— Zhang Meifang张美芳 (@CGMeifangZhang) August 3, 2022
Yi accuses the United States of “violating China’s sovereignty,” describing the situation as a “complete farce.”
Aug. 3, 11:35 Nancy Pelosi leaves Taiwan
Following her historic visit to Taiwan, US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi boards a plane in Taipei and departs the country.
VIDEO: A plane carrying US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi leaves Taiwan as she continues her Asia tour pic.twitter.com/ekQwqmGNQ6
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) August 3, 2022
During her stay, Pelosi said the goal of the trip was to make it “unequivocally clear” that the US would “not abandon” Taiwan. Her trip marks the highest-level US official visit in 25 years.
I led a Congressional delegation to Taiwan to make crystal clear that America stands with the people of Taiwan – and all those committed to Democracy and human rights.
Check out this video of our historic visit to Taipei. pic.twitter.com/TON6zB3x4s
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) August 3, 2022
Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed here by the authors are their own, not those of Impakter.com — In the Featured Photo: Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen addressing the Military of Taiwan. Photo credit: Wang Yu Ching/Office of the President.
