China Fires Missiles Near Taiwan

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China fires missiles near Taiwan in live-fire drills as PLA encircles island – CNN

China fired several missiles into waters near eastern parts of Taiwan Thursday, hitting their targets with accuracy.

Taiwan reported that Chinese long-range missiles had fallen close to its islands of Matsu, Wuqiu, and Dongyin and that 11 total Dongfeng (DF) rockets had been fired into the waters north, south, and east of the islands.

Taiwan’s defense ministry said that the missiles didn’t endanger Taiwan and that no air-raid warning was issued.

Chinese state media said the Chinese military had begun exercises simulating an air-sea “blockade” around Taiwan but offered little hard evidence to support that assertion. Taiwan’s defense ministry said China had sent more than 20 fighter planes over the median line of the Taiwan Strait and 22 aircraft entered its Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ).

Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said Thursday its forces remained in “normal” but vigilant mode and would take appropriate action if necessary.

Taiwan accused China of following the example of North Korea by conducting arbitrary test-firings of rockets over waters near other countries, disrupting flights and shipping schedules.

Japan’s defense minister said five rockets were believed to have landed inside Japan’s exclusive economic zone. He said he had filed a protest with Beijing.  This is amid the backdrop of simmering international tensions in the Western Pacific.  The strike has complicated global tensions, coming on the heels of the Congressional delegation’s controversial trip to Taiwan.

The People’s Republic of China has long claimed sovereignty over Taiwan, and the United States has no formal relationship with Taiwan.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with reporters on Thursday about the recent delegation to Taiwan. Blinken said the United States opposed unilateral efforts to alter the status quo.  He also said the US remains committed to its “One China” policy.

For more coverage on this story check out the following news sources:

  1. China fires missiles near Taiwan in live-fire drills as PLA encircles island  CNN
  2. China launches ballistic missiles during Taiwan drills – BBC News  BBC News
  3. Chinese ballistic missiles land inside Japan’s exclusive economic zone for first time  Fox News
  4. China sends 27 warplanes into Taiwan ADIZ airspace  CNN
  5. Chinese missiles suspected of landing in Japan’s economic zone  Al Jazeera English