CHINA’S MISSILES ‘IMITATING NORTH KOREA’ – TAIWAN

(BBC) Taiwan has accused China of imitating North Korea by firing missiles into the sea around the island.

China launched 11 ballistic missiles into waters around Taiwan’s north-east and south-west coasts, Taiwan said.

The launches, just miles from the coast, followed US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan on Wednesday.

North Korea – a strong ally of China’s – has been accused of igniting tensions in the region by repeatedly launching missile tests in recent months.

China sees Taiwan as a break-away province that will eventually be brought under its control – by force if necessary.

The US, for its part, does not officially recognise Taiwan. It does, however, maintain a strong relationship with the island – which includes selling weapons for Taiwan to defend itself.

Ms Pelosi’s visit to the island therefore fuelled tensions, with China accusing the US of behaving irresponsibly.

A day later, China began an unprecedented launch of ballistic missiles and military drills just off the Taiwanese coast.

In response, Taiwan’s defence ministry said it had activated its defence systems and was monitoring the situation.

Taiwan’s ministry of foreign affairs, meanwhile, accused China of “following the example of North Korea in wilfully test-firing missiles into waters near other countries”.