AFP
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NOS News•today, 09:27•Amended today, 09:48
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Chinese warships briefly crossed the unofficial border in the Taiwan Strait. Dozens of movements across the crucial line have been observed, according to the Taiwanese government. Fighter planes equipped with missiles are also said to have briefly entered prohibited airspace.
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US Secretary of State Blinken reacted with concern to the report. “There is no reason whatsoever for China’s disproportionate and escalating action,” he said. According to Blinken, the American warships in the area remain ready.
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It is the second day of Chinese military exercises around Taiwan. Yesterday, at the start of the four-day exercise, China fired missiles that passed the coast of Taiwan.
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Taiwan is at the center of mounting tension between China and the US. You can see how that works in the video:
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Will Taiwan be the scene of the next great war?
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China started the exercise after Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan. Beijing sees Taiwan as a renegade province, which is why the visit of the Speaker of the US House of Representatives to Taiwan was a provocation in the eyes of Beijing.
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Taiwan has put warships, aircraft and missile systems on alert. “We protect sovereignty and national security by preparing for war, without seeking war,” said an army spokesman.
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Missiles Near Japan
Yesterday, five Chinese missiles landed near the Japanese island of Hateruma. The Japanese Defense Minister spoke of “a serious threat to the national security of Japan and the Japanese”. China plans to continue military exercises around Taiwan until at least Sunday.
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Pelosi is visiting a number of Asian countries these days. Her visit to Taiwan was not officially announced. China warned Washington of the consequences.
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Still, the prominent Democrat decided to go to Taiwan to show that the US stands behind the island and will not allow Taiwan to be isolated by Chinese foreign policy.
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