China to launch ‘targeted military operations’ after Pelosi’s Taiwan visit

THE Chinese military has been put on high alert and will launch “targeted military operations” in response to US House Speaker Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan, China’s defence ministry said on Tuesday (Aug 2) night.

Separately, the People’s Liberation Army’s Eastern Theatre Command said it will conduct joint military operations near Taiwan from Tuesday night, and will test-launch conventional missiles in the sea east of Taiwan.

The exercises will include joint air and sea drills in the north, southwest, northeast of Taiwan, long range live firing in the Taiwan Strait, and missiles test-launches in the sea east of Taiwan, the Easter Theatre Command said.

In another development, Taiwan’s defence ministry said late on Tuesday that earlier Chinese state media reports about China’s Su-35 fighter jets crossing the sensitive Taiwan Strait separating the island from China were false.

The ministry said in a statement it had a full grasp of activities near Taiwan and would appropriately dispatch forces in reaction to “enemy threats.” REUTERS