Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense said that China launched “several” Dongfeng ballistic missiles into the waters around northeastern and southwestern Taiwan,
KYIV. UkraineGate . 4. August . 2022 | Society .
Details
As noted, the launches occurred starting at 1:56 p.m. local time (8:56 a.m. Kyiv time), according to a Reuters report.
Before that, it was reported that two missiles were launched by China near Taiwan’s Matsu Islands, located off the coast of China, around 14:00 local time (9:00 Kyiv time).
They were seen heading in the direction of the No. 2 and No. 3 maneuver areas previously announced by China, according to an internal Taiwan security report seen by Reuters and confirmed by a security source.
Also earlier Thursday, Chinese state media reported that Beijing conducted a long-range artillery fire drill in the Taiwan Strait, noting that “the expected results have been achieved.”
A Taiwanese official also said that about ten Chinese navy ships briefly crossed the median line — the unofficial line separating the territorial waters of China and Taiwan — before they were chased away by Taiwanese naval boats. “They got in and were chased out by us,” he said.
Taiwan also said several Chinese air force planes briefly crossed the median several times on Thursday morning, prompting Taiwan to raise jets and deploy missile systems to track their movements.
An unverified video shows war missiles being launched from China towards Taiwan. AFP reporters on the border island of Pintan saw several small shells fly into the sky, followed by plumes of white smoke and loud rumbling sounds.
The Taiwan Maritime and Port Bureau has warned vessels not to visit the areas in use. Taiwanese authorities said the drills would disrupt 18 international routes through the flight information region (FRI). They estimate that about 900 flights will be affected during the three days of the exercise.
Addition
At noon local time, China’s state broadcaster CCTV announced the start of “major military exercises and organized live-fires” that are expected to include missile tests.
The drills listed six areas around Taiwan, with warnings for all ships and aircraft to avoid those areas. Some of the zones cross Taiwan’s territorial waters and are close to key seaports. Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense accused China of de facto blockade.
Taiwan’s military said it was “preparing for war without seeking war” after China’s military launched an unprecedented four-day live-fire exercise off Taiwan’s coast on Thursday in response to a visit by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to the island.
Context
On August 2, the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the US Congress, Nancy Pelosi, visited Taiwan and left the island on August 3. She is the most senior US official to visit the island in more than 25 years. Pelosi arrived there despite warnings from China, which claims the island as its own.
Against this background, China’s Ministry of Defense promised “targeted military operations” and China’s army announced military exercises in six areas around Taiwan from August 4 to 7.
Source: Ukrgate
