China began a series of live-fire drills that effectively blocked the island of Taiwan.
While China’s military often holds live-fire exercises in the strait and surrounding seas, those planned for this week encircle Taiwan’s main island and target areas within its territorial sea.
Taiwan has characterised the drills, which will last until Sunday afternoon – and will include missile tests and other “military operations” as close as nine miles to Taiwan’s coastline – as a violation of international law.
The drill was announced hours after the departure of US House speaker, Nancy Pelosi, whose controversial visit has sparked fears of a crisis in the Taiwan strait.
Also watch: US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi leaves Taiwan after a high-tension visit