China kicks off its biggest-ever military exercise after Pelosi’s Taiwan visit

Beijing’s immediate response to US politician Nancy’s visit to Taiwan this week came in the form of five live fire drills on Thursday, some within 12 miles of the island which China deems a breakaway province. The exercises are also due to take place in busy waterways and include long-range live ammunition, Beijing says. Taiwan accuses China of imposing what amounts to a sea and air blockade. The US said the drills were irresponsible and could spiral out of control. A US aircraft that can track ballistic missiles in flight has taken off from Japan and is heading towards Taiwan.