China begins major military exercises around Taiwan

China is launching its largest military exercises ever in the seas around Taiwan after visiting American politician Nancy Pelosi.

Direct fire drills began at 12: 00 p.m. at local time (04:00 GMT) and would be held within 12 miles of the island in some areas.

Taiwan said China was trying to change the status quo in the region.

Ms. Pelosi paid a brief but controversial visit to Taiwan, which China considers a breakaway province.

The exercises are Beijing's main response, although it has also blocked some trade with the island.

Training will be held on busy waterways and will include live ammunition shots, Beijing says.

Taiwan says it represents a maritime and air blockade, while the US said the exercises were irresponsible and could get out of control.

Analyst Bonnie Lin has told the BBC that the Taiwanese army would react carefully, but there was still the danger of confrontation.

For example, if China decides to fly the planes over Taiwan's airspace, there is a chance Taiwan can try to listen to them. And we can see a crash in mid-air, we can see many different scenarios”, she said.

Taiwan said it has crashed planes to warn Chinese warplanes Wednesday, and its army has fired flames to evacuate unidentified planes over the Kimen Islands, located near the continent.

Some ministries have undergone cyber attacks in recent days, the Taiwanese government said.

Taiwan has also asked ships to take different roads and are negotiating with Japan and the Philippines to find alternative aviation routes.