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China

China fires 'precision missile strikes' in Taiwan Strait day after Nancy Pelosi concludes controversial visit

China claims Taiwan is its own territory and condemned House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to the island

By Lawrence Richard Fox News
Published | Updated
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China launches missiles into Taiwan Strait Video

China launches missiles into Taiwan Strait

China's military launched missiles into the Taiwan Strait, Aug. 4, 2022, in retaliation against House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit. (Chinese military via Reuters)

China claimed its military successfully executed "precision missile strikes" in the Taiwan Strait Thursday, a day after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi left the island.

China repeatedly condemned Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory, and threatened to take action. On her final day in Taiwan, China’s navy and air force began conducting military exercises in six zones around Taiwan, with some overlapping Taiwan’s territorial waters.

The U.S. responded by deploying several warships to the area.

People’s Liberation Army missile

China's military fired missiles into the water off eastern Taiwan, Aug. 4, 2022, in response to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visiting the island. (China Military)

"Long-range armed live fire precision missile strikes were carried out on selected targets in the eastern area of the Taiwan Strait," the Eastern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army, the ruling Communist Party's military wing, said in a statement.

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"The expected outcome was achieved," China's military added.

China launched missile strikes that were seen from Pingtan Island

Tourists at Pingtan Island spotted the Chinese military's missile launches into the Taiwan Strait, Aug. 4, 2022.  (NTV Digital via AP)

The military command did not provide additional details.

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Taiwan's Defense Ministry said its own military forces were monitoring the Chinese movements while careful to avoid any confrontation that could risk escalating the situation.

  • A photo of Nancy Pelosi with Taiwanese President Tsai
    Image 1 of 3

    Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. left, and Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, right, stand during a meeting in Taipei, Taiwan, Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2022.  (Taiwan Presidential Office via AP)

  • Pelosi bowing to Taiwan's president
    Image 2 of 3

    House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., receives the Order of Propitious Clouds with Special Grand Cordon, at the president's office on Aug. 3, 2022 in Taipei, Taiwan. (Handout/Getty Images)

  • Pelosi standing with the Taiwan president and several others
    Image 3 of 3

    Nancy Pelosi, D-CA, meets Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen, center right, at the president's office on August 03, 2022 in Taipei, Taiwan.  (Chien Chih-Hung/Office of The President via Getty Images)

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China's "irrational behavior" has disrupted peace and stability in the region, the ministry said.

"The three service branches will combine efforts with all the people to jointly safeguard national security and territorial integrity" of Taiwan, the statement said.

Chinese helicopters and ships near Taiwan

Chinese military helicopters fly past Pingtan island, one of mainland China's closest point from Taiwan, in Fujian province on August 4, 2022.  (HECTOR RETAMAL/AFP via Getty Images)

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Xinhua News Agency, China’s official media, reported the military exercises were focused on "blockade, sea target assault, strike on ground targets, and airspace control."

The exercises are expected to run from Thursday to Sunday.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.