China-Taiwan- New military drill launched near Taiwan

 China’s military has stated that it will continue extensive military exercises around Taiwan after its previously planned live-fire operations were completed on Sunday.

The Eastern Theatre Command of the Chinese army said that it would practice sea raids and anti-submarine strikes.

Beijing’s four days of training were in response to Nancy Pelosi, the speaker of the US House, visiting the island.

Taiwan has accused China of using these drills as practice for an invasion of the island.

However, the US, along with Australia and Japan, have condemned the drills. They believe their objective is to change the current state in the Taiwan Strait thus  – the body of water between the mainland and the island.

Washington has also condemned Beijing for breaking off cooperation with the US in a number of areas including climate change in retaliation for Ms. Pelosi’s visit.

Beijing sees Taiwan as a breakaway province that it can claim by force, if necessary.

But Taiwan is a self-ruled island that sees itself as distinct from China.

Any hint of recognition of this by world leaders, however, enrages China.

The renewed activity around Taiwan comes after Chinese maritime authorities announced that drills would also take place in other locations.

In the Yellow Sea – located between China and the Korean peninsula – new daily military drills were due to start from Saturday until the middle of August, and include live-fire exercises.

In addition, a month-long military operation in one area of the Bohai sea – north of the Yellow Sea – started on Saturday.