China began its military drills in areas surrounding Taiwan on Thursday, following United States House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi's high-profile visit to the island. The exercises involve "live-firing," according to Chinese state media, and will finish on Sunday.
"Six major areas around the island have been selected for this actual combat exercise, and during this period, relevant ships and aircraft should not enter the relevant waters and airspace," the Chinese state broadcaster CCTV reported.
During a press conference yesterday, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre warned that China should not use Pelosi's visit as an excuse to conduct the said drills.
