China's show of force hardens US resolve to defend Taiwan

How has the Pelosi visit affected the calculations of the United States and China in their face-off over Taiwan? The Straits Times' correspondents in Beijing and Washington look at their actions and responses.

Charissa Yong

US Correspondent In Washington

Ships from the Ronald Reagan Strike Group carrying out drills with ships from the Japan Maritime Self Defence Force in the South China Sea in 2018. PHOTO: REUTERS

Updated

Published

Aug 08, 2022, 05:00 AM

As Chinese warships moved to effectively blockade Taiwan from the outside world and fired missiles over the island in a display of force, Washington watched and drew its conclusions about Beijing's intentions and plans for taking Taiwan.

American officials, lawmakers and foreign policy hands decried the live-fire exercises as efforts to bully and punish Taipei for US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit last Tuesday and Wednesday, in defiance of Beijing's opposition.

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