Japan has called for an "immediate cancellation" of China's military exercises

Japan has called for an "immediate cancellation" of China's military exercises

Japan this morning condemned China's military exercises around Taiwan, protesting US Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan. Tokyo said five Chinese missiles that flew over the main island of Taiwan fell into Japan's exclusive economic zone (EEZ). This is a major security concern and China should stop all military exercises immediately, Japan said. The said EEZ extends beyond its territorial sea, up to 200 nautical miles from its coast.

China has strongly condemned Pelosi's visit to Taiwan, citing its One China policy. Although Taiwan is an autonomous, independent, and democratic country, China views it as a breakaway province. China and Taiwan have had strained relations, with the former repeatedly claiming Taiwan as part of its country. China has also attempted a military blockade of Taiwan several times.

When Pelosi's visit to Taiwan was announced, China warned the US that such actions would have consequences. Shortly before his arrival, more than 20 Chinese military aircraft entered Taiwan's air defense zone. Shortly after Pelosi's arrival in Taipei, China announced that the People's Liberation Army would conduct live-fire military exercises in the air and fly around Taiwan this week.

Pelosi is in Tokyo for the final leg of an Asia tour that will include a stop in Taiwan, which has angered Beijing, which has begun its largest-ever military exercises around the self-ruled island.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida met with Pelosi earlier today and then headed for a public interview. He spoke about China's coercive measures and what they mean for some countries in the region. "China's actions right now are really affecting the peace and harmony of our region and the global local area," he said. He also said that Japan should quickly withdraw from China's strategic activities.

Kishida said he and Pelosi discussed geopolitical issues, including matters related to North Korea, China, and Russia, and efforts toward a nuclear-free world.

Tokyo has registered a diplomatic standoff with Beijing over the military exercises that began on Thursday.

Portions of Japan's southernmost Okinawa district are near Taiwan, as are islets at the focal point of a long-running debate between Tokyo and Beijing.