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Taiwan claims that China has launched multiple ballistic missiles, heightening tensions.
China began its largest-ever military drills in the vicinity of Taiwan following Nancy Pelosi's turbulent trip to the island nation.
Taipei referred to the island-wide military exercises as "illegitimate and irresponsible".
According to Taiwan's defense ministry, China fired two Dongfeng ballistic missiles into the ocean at about 2:00 p.m. local time near Matsu 2 p.m. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) reportedly launched several Dongfeng series missiles into the waters northeast and southwest of Taiwan's main island.
The PLA had earlier claimed to have launched long-range "precise attacks" into the Taiwan Strait at 1:00 pm, and social media was flooded with footage purporting to show civilians seeing projectiles allegedly launch from behind a beautiful Chinese beach in Pingtan, per The Guardian.
Taiwan's Official Statement on China's Reported Missile Launch
In its official statement Taiwan's foreign ministry said: "On 4 August, China launched multiple ballistic missiles into waters to the northeast and southwest of Taiwan, threatening Taiwan's national security, escalating regional tensions, and affecting regular international traffic and trade."
"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," it added.
China fired 'multiple' ballistic missiles during drills
pic.twitter.com/ezfSZvjP9y— Amichai Stein (@AmichaiStein1) August 4, 2022
Moreover, MOFA urges the world to denounce China's military intimidation of Taiwan. The ministry also requests that nations "continue to speak up in support of a free and democratic Taiwan to jointly safeguard the values of freedom and democracy", uphold the rules-based international system, and "ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific."
Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party said that China's drills on the busiest international waterways and aviation routes are "irresponsible, illegitimate behavior."
Taiwan said on Thursday that it had fired flares to drive away an unidentified aircraft - probably drones - that had flown in on Wednesday night above the area of its Kinmen islands.
Beijing warned of "punishing" those who offend it, while Chinese state media called the speaker's trip an "opening salvo of war".
Speaker Pelosi met with Speaker Kim Jin Pyo of the South Korean National Assembly and other senior lawmakers on Thursday to discuss regional security, economic cooperation, and climate challenges, as reported by The Independent.
Tensions Could Still Rise Further
The Taiwanese military would respond carefully, but Bonnie Lin, an analyst, told BBC that there was still a chance of conflict.
The expert warned there is a possibility that Taiwan may try to intercept Chinese jets if they decide to fly over Taiwan's airspace, and "we could see a mid-air collision" as well as several other situations.
On Wednesday, Taiwan claimed to have sent jets to warn off Chinese airplanes and to have used flares to chase away unknown aircraft over the nearby Kinmen islands.
The Taiwanese government reported that several ministries have recently been the target of cyberattacks.
Taiwan is talking with Japan and the Philippines to seek alternate aviation routes, and it has also asked ships to take alternate paths.
Lu Shaye, Chinese ambassador to France, said on French television that after the "reunification" of Taiwan and China, Beijing will concentrate on "re-education."
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