ITV News Asia Correspondent Debi Edward captures the moment China opens fire China has begun firing artillery as it begins military exercises around Taiwan, after tensions flared over a visit by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. World leaders have urged Beijing to end provocations over Taiwan, including Japan’s defense minister, who said the drills pose a “serious threat” to the country’s national security. It comes after five missiles landed in Japan’s Exclusive Economic Zone. said Japanese Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi. He said Japan protested the missile launches in China as “serious threats to Japan’s national security and the safety of the Japanese people.” Live-fire drills have begun in six areas around Taiwan and are intended to advertise China’s willingness to attack the self-ruled island – as it seeks to break away from Chinese rule and secure its independence. Local media reported that both South Korea airways and Asiana temporarily canceled direct flights to Taiwan. On Thursday, at least 40 flights to and from Taiwan were canceled, according to the China Times newspaper. It said Taoyuan Airport in the capital, Taipei, said the cancellations were “not necessarily related” to the military exercises. Taiwan’s military issued a statement saying its forces are on high alert and closely monitoring the Chinese drills. He said: “The Ministry of National Defense emphasizes that it will maintain the principle of preparing for war without seeking war and with an attitude of not escalating the conflict and causing disputes.” Civil defense exercises have been conducted and notices of designated air raid shelters have been placed across the island. “The three service branches will combine efforts with all people to jointly safeguard national security and territorial integrity,” while adapting to the situation as it evolves, the statement continued. ITV News recorded the moment the artillery was fired from Pingtan Island, Fujian, less than 80 miles from Taiwan. It was a “small show of force in the massive military offensive China launched today, and Taiwan is surrounded by warships, watching fighter jets and watching for missile launches,” Asia correspondent Debi Edward reports. China’s official Xinhua news agency said the drills were joint operations focused on “interdiction, sea target attack, land target strike and airspace control”. Taiwan has put its military on alert and organized civil defense drills, while the US has numerous navies in the region. The drills are due to run from Thursday to Sunday and include missile strikes on targets in seas north and south of the island in the wake of the last major Chinese military exercises aimed at intimidating Taiwan’s leaders and voters in 1995 and 1996. The exercises involved troops from the Navy, Air Force, Missile Force, Strategic Support Force and Logistics Support Force under the Eastern Theater Command. China’s foreign ministry rejected suggestions the drills were dangerous and blamed the US for the escalation. “China’s practice is in line with international law,” ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said. On Wednesday, China banned some imports from Taiwan, including citrus fruits and fish, before flying another 27 fighter jets to the island later that night. Why are tensions rising between Taiwan and China? Ms Pelosi met with leaders in Taiwan despite warnings from China this week. She defended the visit, saying she and other members of Congress in a visiting delegation show they will not abandon their commitment to Taiwan. US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken joined fellow diplomats in urging China not to use force to disrupt the “status quo” in the Taiwan Strait. On Wednesday, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss urged Beijing to de-escalate as tensions rose after Beijing announced it would hold military exercises near Taiwan. Asked how she would deal with rising tensions if elected prime minister, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said: “Well, I don’t support China’s inflammatory language on this issue, it’s perfectly reasonable what’s going on and I urge China to reject – I’m escalating.” Want a quick and special update on the biggest news? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out what you need to know