The White House announced that it had summoned Chinese Ambassador Chen Gan to protest China’s launch of ballistic missiles on Taiwan, and explained that “we reaffirmed our desire to keep lines of communication open, and our policy has not changed to this day.” one China principle. “China’s actions are irresponsible and contrary to our goal of keeping peace in the Taiwan Strait,” he said.

Earlier today, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken pointed out that “China is trying to change the status quo in Taiwan,” noting that “Washington has repeatedly told China that we are not looking for a crisis, but Beijing has decided to exaggerate its response.”

Reuters also cited the Taiwan Defense Ministry as confirming that a number of Chinese Navy ships and fighter jets had crossed the dividing line in the Taiwan Strait, noting that “our military has issued warnings and deployed missile systems on the ground to monitor the situation.”

Following US Secretary of State Nancy Pelosi’s visit to the island, which China considers part of it despite warnings, Chinese authorities announced “military exercises in 6 areas surrounding the island from August 4 to 7.”

For its part, the White House announced that “a group of US Navy ships led by the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan will remain in the Taiwan area after China launched ballistic missiles in this region.”