China announces new military exercises starting this Monday (8)

China’s military on Monday announced new military exercises in the seas and airspace around Taiwan – a day after the scheduled end of its biggest-ever exercises, held in response to the House Speaker’s visit. from the United States, Nancy Pelosi, to Taipei last week.

China’s Eastern Command said it will carry out the new joint activities with a focus on maritime assault operations – confirming the fears of some security analysts and diplomats that Beijing will continue to keep pressure on Taiwan’s defenses.

Pelosi’s visit to the island last week infuriated China, which considers Taiwan part of its territory and has responded by launching ballistic missiles on Taipei for the first time, as well as suspending some channels of dialogue with Washington.

The duration and precise location of the latest exercises are not yet known, but Taiwan has already eased flight restrictions near the six areas of previous Chinese activity.

Just before the recent announcement of new exercises, Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen met with St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, saying she was touched by his determination to visit the island despite the Chinese military pressure.

“Prime Minister Gonsalves has expressed in recent days that Chinese military exercises would not prevent him from visiting friends in Taiwan. These statements touched us deeply,” Tsai said at a welcoming ceremony for the premier in Taipei.

It is unclear whether Tsai invited Gonsalves before or after Pelosi’s visit. “We do not disclose internal planning or communications between governments,” Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said when asked by Reuters.

In addition to firing 11 short-range ballistic missiles during the first four days of exercises, Chinese warships, fighter jets and drones maneuvered extensively around the island.