BEIJING, Aug 04 (ABC): China has conducted a series of naval-air joint drills around the Taiwan island in response to what has been seen as a reckless and provocative visit by U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi to the country’s Taiwan region.
The drills featured the Navy, Air Force, Rocket Force, Strategic Support Force and Joint Logistic Support Force in the sea and air space north, southwest and southeast of the Taiwan island, the Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) said.
The PLA will also conduct live-fire military drills from August 4 to 7 in six different areas that encircle the island of Taiwan from all directions, according to a notice authorized to be released by the Xinhua News Agency.
Referring to the military operation, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said at a regular press briefing that the Chinese side “has to dialog with the U.S. side and the ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist forces in a language they can understand.”
The Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council also announced punishments for two foundations that “have wantonly carried out ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist activities in the international arena,” prohibiting any transaction or cooperation with donors, including Speedtech Energy.