File picture: A Ching Chiang class patrol ship fires off depth charges underwater as part of a navy demonstration in Taiwan’s annual Han Kuang exercises off the island’s eastern coast near the city of Yilan, Taiwan on Tuesday
Photo : AP
The manoeuvres will be limited in scope and will take place off the island of Pingtan in Fujian province, according to a statement issued Thursday, but reported by Chinese state media only Friday.
“Live ammunition will be fired… between 8:00 am and 9:00 pm (0000-1300 GMT) and any entry (into these waters) will be prohibited”, said the government statement, which does not mention Pelosi.
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The US administration has not confirmed or denied reports that Pelosi, a key Biden ally, is going ahead with a stop in Taiwan during a tour of Asia. Pelosi has also not commented publicly on the widely reported plan.
Beijing sees such a trip as a provocation, given its claim to sovereignty over the self-ruling democratic island.
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Although US officials often make discreet visits to Taiwan, Pelosi is second in line to the presidency and she will be using military transport during her visit to Asia.
The area where Saturday’s Chinese manoeuvres are set to take place is located about 120 kilometres (75 miles) from the Taiwanese coast.
