Taiwan recently launched military defense exercises and air drills after China announced that it’s ready to make a move if House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visits the island.
On Monday, Taiwan’s capital Taipei ordered emergency military defenses and air drills in response to China’s escalating threats.
According to the reports, Taipei ordered emergency alerts throughout the capital and commanded citizens to remain inside the shelters while the roads were emptied and stores closed as sirens were sounded.
In addition, “missile alert” text messages were also sent to the citizens in preparation for the Chinese attack.
Taiwan holds air raid drills as China doubles down against Nancy Pelosi visit https://t.co/HexGr5KAOt
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Local reports said that Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je expressed his fears on Monday that Beijing may follow Russia’s decision to invade the country.
“In recent years, Chinese military planes have frequently harassed Taiwan, and the war between Russia and Ukraine broke out in February this year,” Mayor Ko stated.
“All these things make us understand the importance of being vigilant in times of peace and we need to be prepared if there is war,” Ko continued.
Moreover, Ko claimed that “we are seriously prepared” when asked about China, considering a military response.
“If the U.S. side is bent on going its own way, China will take strong measures to resolutely respond and counteract. The United States should be held responsible for any serious consequences,” he added.
On the other hand, the Pentagon slammed the U.S decision and stated that President Biden has weighed in and argued that Pelosi’s trip to Taiwan could escalate already heightened tensions between Washington and Beijing.
“The military thinks it’s not a good idea right now. But I don’t know what the status of it is.” Biden said last Wednesday in response to the Pentagon’s statement.
Not only that, Pelosi also dismissed The Pentagon’s warning during her upcoming trip to Taiwan despite the possibility of her trip, potentially intensifying tensions between Washington and Beijing.
“I think what the president was saying is – maybe the military was afraid our plane would get shot down or something like that by the Chinese,” Pelosi said last week.
On Sunday, Gen. Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, warned the Federal government that China’s military has become “significantly” more aggressive.
“The message is the Chinese military, in the air and at sea, have become significantly more and noticeably more aggressive in this particular region.” Milley said.
