China cuts some communication ties with US

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China cuts some communication ties with US

It has responded to test launches of ballistic missiles over the island for the first time, and ditched some lines of communication with Washington.

The current tense situation in the Taiwan Strait is entirely provoked and created by the US side on its own initiative, according to Wu Qian, China's Defence Ministry spokesman.

Communication requires sincerity, and the bottom line can't be broken. Four days of unprecedented live-fire drills over Taiwanese territorial waters were scheduled to end on Sunday.

The Chinese authorities haven't officially confirmed that they have ended.

There are some security analysts who are worried that the situation in the Taiwan Strait, particularly near the unofficial median line buffer, remains tense.

The island's defence ministry said Chinese military ships, aircraft and drones had simulated attacks on the island and its navy.

It said it sent aircraft and ships to react appropriately as Ms Pelosi left the region on Friday, and China called off formal talks with the US military involving theatre-level commands, defence policy co-ordination and military maritime consultations.

The Pentagon, State Department, and White House officials condemn the move, describing it as an irresponsible overreaction China's cutting of some of its few communication links with the US military raises the risk of an accidental escalation over Taiwan at a critical moment, according to security analysts and diplomats.

One US official said that Chinese officials had not responded to calls from Pentagon officials because of the tensions last week.

They did not think this was a formal separation of ties with senior figures, such as US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin.

The relevant countermeasures by China are a necessary warning to the provocations of the United States and Taiwan, and a legitimate defence of national sovereignty and security, Mr Wu said.