Taiwan’s top China policymaking body says Taiwan will “absolutely not” compromise or yield under military pressure from Beijing. Mainland Affairs Council spokesperson Chiu Chui-cheng says that China’s recent war games around Taiwan are “irrational” and “irresponsible.”
Beijing flew warplanes, sailed battleships and fired missiles off Taiwan’s coast last week in a four-day show of military strength. That followed Nancy Pelosi’s historic visit to Taipei on Tuesday, when she became the first US House speaker to travel to Taiwan in 25 years.
Beijing condemned the visit, which it says “seriously infringes upon China’s sovereignty.” It followed by launching military drills that appeared to simulate a blockade of Taiwan, which Beijing insists is an “inalienable part” of China’s territory.
Taiwan has condemned the live-fire exercises and rejected China’s claim of sovereignty over the island. Spokesperson Chiu says Taiwan and China are separate entities, and that is the “objective status quo.” He blames Chinese authorities for pushing the two apart and says Beijing’s “extreme pressure” will not bring Taiwan closer.