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ChinaPolitics

Taiwan residents take Chinese military’s mega live-fire drills in stride

  • The Chinese military is carrying out three days of large-scale, live-fire drills around Taiwan after Pelosi visit
  • ‘Who cares’, says one social media user, adding if the PLA wanted to really attack, it would not resort to staging drills

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Tourists and snorkelers visit a beach on Liuqiu island, a tourist spot in Taiwan known for its sea turtles. Photo: Reuters
Lawrence Chung
The usual hustle and bustle of a Taipei weekend have been missing this time around, as mega wargames staged by the People’s Liberation Army to encircle Taiwan enter its third day.
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However, it is not fear of Beijing’s unprecedented sabre-rattling in reaction to US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s recent visit that has sent Taipei residents hurrying home. They have disappeared off the streets to escape a heatwave that saw temperatures soar to 39 degrees Celsius (102 Fahrenheit) on Saturday.
“Why should I be afraid? The Chinese Communists have [always] been doing that when they are not happy. They think it will scare us, but we are already used to it,” health worker Yang Wei-liang, 22, said when asked about the live-fire drills.

02:09

Taiwan shuts down for annual air raid drill amid heightened cross-strait tensions

Taiwan shuts down for annual air raid drill amid heightened cross-strait tensions

Shortly after Pelosi left Taiwan following an unannounced overnight stay during an official four-nation Asia tour, the PLA announced three days of large-scale, live-fire drills in six areas around Taiwan until Sunday noon.

Beijing had repeatedly warned against such a trip by Pelosi – the second in line to the US presidency – and has reacted strongly against the “provocation”.

The US does not recognise Taiwan as a sovereign state and acknowledges the one-China principle, but it opposes any attempt to take the island by force.

02:46

Mainland China launches largest military drill in the Taiwan Strait after Pelosi’s visit

Mainland China launches largest military drill in the Taiwan Strait after Pelosi’s visit

Yang, who was visiting the packed Taiwan Food Show with his girlfriend, also sees an upside to the trade embargoes slapped on Taipei.

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