Irate China goes ballistic after Pelosi visits Taiwan
Taiwan’s armed forces were on high alert during China’s belligerent and highly threatening military exercise. (Photo: Taiwan MND)
China launched a massive joint military exercise to retaliate against a historical visit to Taiwan by US Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi during her trip to Asia.
The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) intensified tensions, forcing the Taiwanese armed forces – which had just concluded the annual Han Kuang exercise – to recall troops at short notice.
China kicked off joint military live-fire exercises on 4 August in what might become known as the ‘Fourth Taiwan Strait Crisis’. From the time Beijing issued a statement and started mobilising troops, it took less than 72h.
The scale and range of the
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Defence Notes
-
UK releases security strategy and plans for future defence spending boost
The UK’s National Security Strategy brings together the recently released Strategic Defence Review (SDR), Strategic Security Review, AUKUS Review and Industrial and Trade Strategies. At the same time, the UK made a commitment to reach defence spending of 5% of GDP by 2035 and Germany committed to 3.5% by 2029.
-
Pentagon’s FY26 defence budget proposal is $130 billion more than US Congress plans to provide
The House Committee on Appropriations approved a FY2026 bill reducing investments in main defence programmes.
-
What role could holographic and 3D capabilities play in the warfare of tomorrow
Holographic and 3D technologies have been lauded by some for their ability to provide technical and operational advantages for military training and planning. But is the hype truly justified?
-
Unfolding the Golden Dome for America: Seven things you should know about the programme
Shephard talked to multiple experts about the most pressing concerns and considerations regarding the air defence system advocated by President Trump.
-
Industry welcomes UK Strategic Defence Review, but pressure remains on future defence investment plans
While industry reception to the SDR has been positive, questions still remain from analyst and trade associations about what this could mean for future investment and the future UK Defence Industrial Strategy.