Agencies-Gaza post
Chinese warplanes fly over Taiwan Strait ahead of Pelosi’s visit
Reuters reported that several Chinese warplanes flew near the midline dividing the Taiwan Strait, while people familiar with the matter reported that U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was expected to arrive in Taiwan later on Tuesday.
China has repeatedly warned against Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan, which it considers part of its territory, and the United States said on Monday that it would not bow to the pressure of China’s “sword rattling” over the visit.
Reuters added that besides flying Chinese aircraft near the midline in the highly sensitive waterway on Tuesday morning, several Chinese warships remained close to the unofficial line since Monday.
According to the source, Chinese vessels and warplanes “pressed” the midline on Tuesday morning in an unusual move that the source described as “highly provocative.”
He added that Chinese fighters had repeatedly conducted tactical exercises that briefly “touched” the midfield and flew back to the other side of the strait on Tuesday morning, while Taiwanese aircraft were on alert in close proximity.
Neither side’s aircraft usually crosses the midline.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Defence said in a statement on Tuesday it was fully aware of military activities near Taiwan and would deploy troops appropriately in response to “enemy threats.”
No comment has yet been obtained from China’s Ministry of Defence and Foreign Affairs.
Taiwan’s Liberty Times newspaper reported that Pelosi’s delegation was scheduled to arrive at 1020 p.m. (14:20 GMT) on Tuesday, without mentioning sources.
Pelosi visited Malaysia on Tuesday as part of an Asian tour that began with a visit to Singapore on Monday.
Her office said it would also visit South Korea and Japan, but did not mention Taiwan’s visit.
