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TAIWAN

China will hold five additional live-fire drills in the Bohai and Yellow seas in another show of force to broadcast its fury over US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan last week, the Washington Post reported Sunday.

China has been holding military exercises near Taiwan in what observers describe as the greatest show of force around the island since the last cross-strait crisis of 1995-1996.

Under its “one China” policy, Beijing claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has consistently warned that it would take the island by force if it ever declares independence. For years, it has attempted to diplomatically isolate Taiwan by luring away its diplomatic partners and vehemently obstructing exchanges between Taipei and other countries.

Meanwhile, during her visit, Pelosi vowed that China would not succeed in isolating Taiwan. The Chinese government condemned the visit and accused the US of hollowing out its “one China” doctrine.

The diplomatic fallout escalated over the weekend after China imposed sanctions on Pelosi and her family. Beijing also suspended cooperation with the US in a number of areas, breaking off military cooperation and climate negotiations.

Meanwhile, the White House summoned China’s ambassador to the US in response to Beijing’s “irresponsible” military activities, including the launch of missiles into waters near Taiwan.

Taiwan called the drills a “simulated attack” on the island but noted the military exercises have caused only limited disruptions to shipping routes and flights.