China has now ended a series of live-fire military drills in seven zones around Taiwan in response to US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to the island – a visit that angered Chinese officials. However, there was an escalation on Sunday, with Taiwanese warships responding to the drills, which sailed in close quarters with Chinese ships in the Taiwan Strait. Image: This map shows where Chinese military exercises took place (in red boxes) with the northern box pushing into Taiwan’s territorial waters A source told Reuters news agency that some Chinese ships crossed the median line – an unofficial buffer zone separating the two sides. They added that the Taiwanese side was watching Chinese ships as they “pushed” the line in an attempt to deny them the chance to pass. “Both sides are showing restraint,” they said, describing the high seas maneuvers as “cat and mouse.” “One side is trying to get through, and the other is standing in the way and it forces them to a more disadvantageous position and eventually back to the other side.” In a press release, Taiwan’s defense ministry said China was using ships, aircraft and drones to simulate attacks on the island, adding that it had sent aircraft to respond “appropriately”. Taiwan added its land-based anti-ship missiles and its American Patriot surface-to-air missiles were on standby. On Saturday, China said drills near the island focused on land and sea strike capabilities. Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player 2:55 What is happening now with China and Taiwan? A White House spokesman said the exercises were an escalation, adding: “They are provocative, irresponsible and increase the risk of miscalculation. “It is also contrary to our long-standing goal of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, which is what the world expects.” The US has several navies in the region, but the Biden administration has said it remains committed to the one-China policy, which recognizes Beijing as China’s government but allows informal relations and defense ties with Taiwan. The administration discouraged but did not prevent Ms. Pelosi from visiting. In continued retaliation for Ms Pelosi’s trip, China has imposed sanctions on her and suspended defense talks with the US.
