Beijing holds live fire naval drills opposite Taiwan after threatening to SHOOT DOWN US Speaker Nancy Pelosi as her Asia tour begins

  • China is conducting live-fire military exercises in the waters around Taiwan
  • The aggressive move comes as US Speaker Nancy Pelosi flies to the region
  • She is slated to visit to Taiwan, first visit by high-ranking US official in 25 years
  • Beijing reacted furiously, warning ‘those who play with fire will be perished by it’

The Chinese military conducted live-fire exercises Saturday off its coast opposite Taiwan amid reports that US Speaker Nancy Pelosi is in the air on her way to the region.

The powder keg situation comes as China indicated it may shoot Pelosi’s plane down if she attempts to land on the disputed island democracy, which Beijingclaims as part of its territory.

Pelosi is thought to have set off late on Friday for her upcoming Asian tour, which may or may not include a visit to Taiwan, something that Beijing warned the US would ‘bear all consequences’ for.