China warns airlines to avoid airspace near Taiwan

August 04, 2022

Chinese officials are warning airlines to avoid airspace near Taiwan as it responds to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visiting Taipei ahead of planned live military drills that Taiwanese officials say may amount to a blockade. China's government also moved to block imports of citrus fruits and frozen mackerel from Taiwan in retaliation for Pelosi's trip, AP reports. China's action "threatens international waterways and challenges international order," amounting to "a sea and air blockade," a Ministry spokesperson said. "Considering the live-fire training nature of this military activity, Japan has expressed concerns to the Chinese side," Matsuno added. Go deeper: Pelosi's Taiwan visit has echoes of 1996 crisisEditor's note: This article has been updated with new details throughout.