This Video Does Not Show Chinese Military Exercises Near Taiwan
The Claim
A video depicts recent Chinese military drills near Taiwan.
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Emerging story
Social media users recently circulated a video purportedly depicting Chinese military exercises near Taiwan. Some users claimed China fired artillery near Taiwan during military exercises.
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar investigated the claim and found it misleading.
The clip has been circulating online since November 2020.
2020 Taiwan Military Exercise
According to websites and social media users who posted the video circulating in November 2020, the clip depicts military exercises by Tawain's army. The army fired live ammunition during their exercises, according to the publishers.
Chinese Military Drills Near Taiwan
The misleading video began making the rounds online after it was revealed that China was conducting military exercises near Taiwan.
According to the Xinhua News Agency, China conducted ‘live-fire exercises’ near the Pingtan islands off the coast of Fujian province.
This came after Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, scheduled a visit to Asia.
Tensions Over Taiwan
During their phone call on Thursday, China's President Xi Jinping warned Joe Biden "not to play with fire" concerning Taiwan.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi did not mention Taiwan despite announcing a trip to Asia this week.
Pelosi is leading a Congressional delegation to the Indo-Pacific region, where she plans to visit Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, and Japan, according to a statement released by her office on Sunday.
Nonetheless, China has warned that it will respond with force if House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visits Taiwan.
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