New Delhi: Tensions have been simmering in Taiwan after senior US politician Nancy Pelosi landed in the tiny disputed island.
US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi made a visit to Taiwan despite China's repeated warnings. Prior to Pelosi's visit, Beijing warned Washington that her visit could have dire consequences.
Now, in the latest development, the Chinese military has fired ballistic missiles in Taiwan on August 4 on the waters surrounding it amid intense live-fire exercises.
Taiwan's Defense Ministry said it tracked the firing of Chinese Dongfeng series missiles beginning around 1:56 p.m. (05:56 GMT) on August 4.
It said in a statement that it used various early warning surveillance systems to track the missile launches, which were directed at waters northeast and southwest of Taiwan.
The defense ministry also said they tracked long-distance rockets and ammunition firing in outlying islands in Matsu, Wuqiu and Dongyin.
China earlier announced that military drills by its navy, air force and other departments were underway in six zones surrounding Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own territory to be annexed by force if necessary.
Over the years, China has tried to isolate Taiwan diplomatically and have persistently asked its allies to refrain from recognizing the island as a sovereign nation and have instead pushed the 'One China Policy' in the international arena.
Beijing has also long threatened military retaliation over moves by the island to solidify its de facto independence with the support of key allies including the U.S.
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