Taiwan mobilizes forces against ‘possible simulated attack’ by China

Shanghai, China, Aug 6 (EFE).- Taiwan on Saturday denounced that Chinese ships and military aircraft again crossed the median line in the Formosa Strait during a “possible simulated attack” as a part of the military drills after US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to the island.

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense tweeted that the aim of the attack simulation would be a high-value asset, but did not give further details.

Taiwan responded to the Chinese maneuvers by issuing alerts and deploying air and naval patrols, also activating its ground missile systems, as it did the previous day as Chinese ships and aircraft crossed the median line.

This line in the Formosa Strait functions as an unofficial border between Taiwan and China that has been respected by both sides for the past few decades.

The military maneuvers of the Chinese armed forces, which began on Thursday and will continue until Sunday, came in reprisal for Pelosi’s visit, and have so far included live fire and the launch of long-range missiles.

These exercises have been underway in six areas around the island, one of them about 20 kilometers off the coast of Kaohsiung, the main city in southern Taiwan.

Taiwan has described China’s military presence in these areas as a “blockade,” and Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen termed China’s moves as “irresponsible.”

China, which called Pelosi’s visit a “farce” and a “deplorable betrayal”, claims sovereignty over the island and considers Taiwan a rebel province since Kuomintang nationalists withdrew there in 1949, after losing the civil war. EFE

vec/sc