The Taiwan Defence Ministry has confirmed that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has launched multiple Dongfeng (DF) ballistic missiles at the island’s Northeast and Southwest waters.
Today, China began conducting military exercises surrounding Taiwan’s main island, a day after US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi left Taipei after an unwelcome visit to Beijing.
In at least six locations across the island that the island considers its own and threatens to take over, live-fire drills have started.
“PLA has launched multiple DF ballistic #missiles at our NE and SW waters since 13:56. #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation with various means, while our defence systems have been activated. We condemn such irrational action that has jeopardized regional peace,” Taiwan Defence Ministry said in a statement.
The Taiwan Defence Ministry said they seek no escalation, but we don’t stand down when it comes to our security and sovereignty.
“ROC Armed Forces are operating as usual and monitor our surroundings in response to irrational activities from PRC, aiming for changing the status quo & destabilizing the region’s security. We seek no escalation, but we don’t stand down when it comes to our security and sovereignty,” the ministry said.
Pelosi on Wednesday said the Congressional delegation’s visit should be seen as a strong statement that America stands with Taiwan.
“We came to Taiwan to listen to, learn from and show our support for the people of Taiwan, who have built a thriving Democracy that stands as one of the freest and most open in the world,” she said in a statement.
