**Tensions between China and Taiwan have intensified after Beijing launched large-scale live-fire military drills around the self-ruled island.**.
**The drills, which began on Thursday,** August 4, 2022, **and are scheduled to end on Sunday,** August 7, 2022, **are seen as a response to a recent visit by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan.**.
**The drills:**.
– Are taking place in six designated areas around Taiwan, including some that overlap with Taiwan’s territorial waters..
– Involve the use of various weapons systems, including missiles, fighter jets, and warships..
– Have caused widespread disruptions to air and sea traffic in the region..
**Taiwan:**.
– Has condemned the drills as a .