China has announced military maneuvers in the Taiwan Strait for Saturday, during which live ammunition will also be used.
Live ammunition will be fired between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. during the maneuvers in the straits, according to a government statement in Beijing released by state media on Friday. Entry into the waters is prohibited during this time.
Tensions between China and the United States over the Taiwan issue have steadily increased in recent months. In a phone call with US President Joe Biden on Thursday, Chinese leader Xi Jinping said: “Those who play with fire will eventually get burned. I hope the US side gets that right.”
The reason for the latest escalation is a possible visit to Taiwan by high-ranking US politician Nancy Pelosi: As Chair of the House of Representatives, Democrat Pelosi holds the third-highest office in the US and is likely to travel to Taiwan on a military plane. Beijing regards such a visit, which has not yet been confirmed by Washington, as a provocation.
China sees Taiwan as a breakaway province that is to be reunited with the mainland – if necessary using military force. The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine has recently fueled fears that Beijing could use a similar approach when dealing with Taiwan.
