China to Test-Launch Missile With Non-Nuclear Warhead, PLA Eastern Command Says

© Sputnik ScreenshotA missile identified as a YJ-21 hypersonic anti-ship missile is fired from a Chinese Type 055 destroyer in the first-known Chinese test of a hypersonic weapon from the stealthy warship.
A missile identified as a YJ-21 hypersonic anti-ship missile is fired from a Chinese Type 055 destroyer in the first-known Chinese test of a hypersonic weapon from the stealthy warship. - Sputnik International, 1920, 02.08.2022
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The announcement comes amid the arrival of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan – the self-ruled island that China considers an inalienable part of its territory. The lawmaker's trip has put the military of the island, as well as Chinese and US forces in the region on high alert.
China's People's Liberation Army's (PLA) Eastern Theater Command has announced that it will be conducting test launches of missiles with non-nuclear warheads with a designated target being placed to the east of Taiwan – the self-ruled island that China considers a breakaway province.
"China's People's Liberation Army is on alert and will carry out a series of targeted military activities as countermeasures, resolutely defend state sovereignty and territorial integrity, and resolutely prevent external interference and futile attempts to organize 'Taiwan independence,'" China's Defense Ministry said in a statement.
The test launch will come as a part of larger military drills that will include joint exercises at sea and in the air by the PLA, as well as the shooting of long-range artillery in the Taiwan Strait.
The military drills are set to take place at night on August 2.
The war games were announced hot on the heels of the arrival of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan despite protests from China. Beijing condemned the act as meddling in its internal affairs, an attempt to appease separatists and a major political "provocation". China's Foreign Ministry vowed that the country will deliver a harsh military response to the visit of the lawmaker, but refused to elaborate on details.
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., speaks at a news conference as Democrats push to bring the assault weapons ban bill to the floor for a vote, at the Capitol in Washington, Friday, July 29, 2022. Pelosi says the House will consider the public safety bills on police reform later when the House considers the Senate reconciliation package. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) - Sputnik International, 1920, 02.08.2022
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Ahead of Pelosi's arrival on the island, the Chinese military moved additional forces to the shores of the Taiwan Strait and deployed two aircraft carriers to the region. The US military similarly boosted its presence near the island, moving their aircraft carrier strike group closer. Taiwanese forces met the House speaker's arriving jet by putting its armed forces on level 2 alert.
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