Mainland China is set to launch a joint military drill that will effectively blockade Taiwan from August 4-7, 2022, following a visit to the self-ruled island by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Beijing saw Pelosi’s trip as an explicit provocation and a move to embolden Taiwan’s independence-leaning government. Beijing has responded with punitive measures against Taiwan, including live-drills in six areas around the island’s coastline. Beijing regards Taiwan as a renegade province to be reunited by force if necessary and has warned against official ties with Taiwan. Most countries including the US do not recognise the island as a sovereign state. Washington acknowledges the one-China principle, but opposes any moves to take Taiwan by force.
Source: CCTV
