singapore-carriers-avoiding-areas-affected-by-china’s-live-firing-exercises:-caas
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SINGAPORE: Singapore carriers are avoiding areas affected by China’s live firing exercises near Taiwan, following the visit of United States House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Wednesday (Aug 3).

Pelosi was the highest-ranking US politician to visit Taiwan in 25 years. Her trip has rankled Beijing, which sees Taiwan as its territory and has since announced military drills in the seas around the island.

In response a query from CNA, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) on Thursday said China had sent out a notice to airmen on Tuesday, prohibiting aircraft from flying into identified areas affected by live firing exercises taking place from Thursday to Sunday.

“Singapore carriers have taken note of the (notice) as part of their standard operating procedures and are avoiding the affected areas,” CAAS said.

The live firing exercises began around 12pm.

Chinese state broadcaster CCTV said six major areas around the island were selected for the combat exercise and that all ships and aircraft should not enter the relevant waters and airspace during this period.

State-run Chinese tabloid Global Times, citing military analysts, said the exercises were “unprecedented” and that missiles would fly over Taiwan for the first time.

Taiwan meanwhile has described the exercises as “an irrational move to challenge the international order”.