China announces military maneuvers in Taiwan Strait

China has announced military maneuvers in the Taiwan Strait on Friday, which will also include the use of live ammunition. Entry into the waters is prohibited during this time, according to a statement by the government in Beijing published yesterday by the state media.

Tensions between China and the United States over the Taiwan issue have steadily increased in recent months. In a phone call with US President Joe Biden on Thursday, Chinese leader Xi Jinping said: "Those who play with fire will eventually get burned. I hope the US side gets that right.”

The reason for the latest escalation is a possible visit to Taiwan by high-ranking US politician Nancy Pelosi: As Chair of the House of Representatives, Democrat Pelosi holds the third-highest office in the US and is likely to travel to Taiwan on a military plane. Beijing regards such a visit, which has not yet been confirmed by Washington, as a provocation.

Source: ORF

Photo: © Li Gang/Xinhua/Imago