This statement comes as five US lawmakers visit Taiwan.
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Posted on 08/15/2022 12:50 PM Updated on 08/15/2022 2:03 PM
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Beijing starts new maneuvers. China announced Monday, August 15, that it had organized new military drills around Taiwan. The statement comes as five US MPs visit the island. “On Aug. 15, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army East Theater conducted joint combat readiness patrol and combat drills with multiple services in the sea and air space around Taiwan,” said the command of the Chinese Army East Theater.
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The US delegation, whose visit had not been announced, arrived in Taipei on Sunday evening and was scheduled to meet with the island’s President, Tsai Ing-wen, ahead of a reception organized at the State Department on Monday. The two-day trip will focus on trade, regional security and climate change, according to the American Institute in Taiwan, the de facto US embassy on the island.
It comes less than two weeks after US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited the island claimed by Chinese authorities. China then reacted angrily and launched the largest military maneuvers in its history around Taiwan. For five days, the army stationed warships, missiles and fighter planes and simulated a blockade of the island.