Chinese state media reported that two Su-35 jets crossed the strait, which separates the self-governing island from mainland China, moments before Pelosi and five other Democratic members of Congress landed in Taipei around 10:45 p.m. local time. “In response to internet rumors that the PLA [People’s Liberation Army] Su-35 fighter jets crossed the Taiwan Strait, this is fake news. Please follow the correct message from our official website,” Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense tweeted. “Meanwhile, we urge netizens not to spread it and we strongly condemn this malicious act.” The ministry confirmed in a subsequent tweet that 21 Chinese aircraft entered the southwestern part of Taiwan’s Air Defense Identification Zone before turning back. Earlier, Taipei’s defense ministry said in a statement that it was fully aware of all activities near Taiwan and would send forces in response to “enemy threats” on a case-by-case basis. Meanwhile, China said its military had been put on high alert and would launch “targeted military operations” in response to Pelosi’s arrival. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi arrives in Taiwan. AP Chinese Su-35 fighter jets did not cross the Taiwan Strait, according to Taiwan’s government. Sputnik via AP The People’s Liberation Army said the maneuvers will take place from Tuesday night in the waters and skies near Taiwan and will include firing long-range munitions into the Taiwan Strait. “This action is a serious deterrent against the recent major escalation of the United States’ negative actions on the Taiwan issue and a serious warning to the ‘Taiwan independence’ forces seeking ‘independence.’ China’s official Xinhua News reported that the military planned to hold live-fire drills from August 4 to 7 in several locations. In an image released by the news agency, the drills were to be held in six different areas in the waters surrounding Taiwan. In response to internet rumors that PLA Su-35 fighter jets crossed the Taiwan Straits, this is false news. Please follow the correct message from our official website: In the meantime, we urge netizens not to spread it and strongly condemn this malicious act. — Ministry of National Defence, ROC 🇹🇼 (@MoNDefense) August 2, 2022 Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Washington’s betrayal “on the Taiwan issue is bankrupting its national credibility.” “Any countermeasure taken by China would be a justified and necessary response to US oblivion to China’s repeated missteps and US unscrupulous behavior.” “The US and Taiwan made provocations together first, while China was forced to act in self-defense,” a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman tweeted. Beijing has repeatedly warned against Pelosi going to the island nation, which it claims as its own, while US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said on Monday that the US would not be intimidated by Chinese “sword”. With Post cables
