By Douglas F. Roberts, The Chicago Times
August 5, 2022
TOKYO – Japanese officials protested the incursion of five ballistic missiles, launched by China, that landed in Japan’s exclusive economic zone on Thursday.
Japanese defense minister Nobuo Kishi said that China launched a large-scale military exercise on Thursday that included the firing of live ammunition in areas surrounding Taiwan.
“To have five Chinese missiles fall within Japan’s EEZ like this is a first. We have protested strongly through diplomatic channels. This is a serious problem that concerns Japan’s security and the safety of our citizens. We strongly condemn this action,” Kishi said at a news conference.
The Japanese EEZ spans some 200 nautical miles from the outer limits of Japan’s territorial seas.
The military exercise comes two days after US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan, the highest-ranking U.S. official to visit in 25 years.
According to Chinese state controlled media, the military exercises are being conducted to simulate an air and sea blockade of Taiwan.
In response, Taiwan’s defense ministry said in a statement that its military was remaining at “normal” readiness and called the live-fire drills “irrational” and Taiwan forces “. . . will act appropriately,” when responding to any challenge.
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