TAIWAN TENSION: Mr. Antony Blinken, the US Secretary of State, on Friday condemned China’s military drills encircling Taiwan as “a significant escalation”, as well as multiple missiles lunched across Taiwanese capital on Friday morning by China.
Basic Facts
- The Chinese military on Friday significantly escalated it`s response to the recent visit of the US House Speaker – Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan against the warnings from China against such visit.
- The Chinese air force lunched about 6 missiles which flew across Taipei City, the Taiwanese capital on Friday.
- The missile provoked response from the US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken who said it was a “a significant escalation” and has “no justification”
Notable Quote
“These provocative actions are a significant escalation,” Blinken said after talks with Southeast Asian foreign ministers in Phnom Penh, Vietnam.
Blinken said this week’s stand-off was Beijing’s latest attempt to alter the fragile status quo over self-ruled Taiwan, which China’s ruling Communist Party regards as part of its territory to be recovered, by force if necessary.
Takeaway
Taiwan is a Self-governed territory. China does not recognise Taiwan’s independence. China is escalating tension in the region after the visit of Nancy Pelosi. A visit China considered provocative.
US has condemned Chinese provocative behaviour. The coming days maybe see more diplomatic conflict between US, her allies and China. China may respond to more sanctions against Taiwan.
Catch-up
Recall that Clariform news desk had Thursday reported China’s military drills near her border with Taiwan. The exercise is a reaction to US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visit to Taiwan which Clariform also report.
China had condemned the planned the visit of Nancy Pelosi. However, the visit took place despite China’s objections and warnings.
China has been firing ballistic missiles and deployed fighter jets and warships around Taiwan, declaring multiple no-go danger zones in some of the busiest shipping lanes in the world.