That's according to Japan's Defence MinisterNobuo Kishi, who said it involved five ballistic missiles which were fired by China as part of an unprecedented live-fire military drill in six areas that surround Taiwan.

The show of force comes a day after a visit by US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi to the self-ruled island, which Beijing regards as its sovereign territory.

The White House has condemned China's decision to launch live missiles near Taiwan as "irresponsible" and said it expected Beijing would continue to react in the coming days.

"Beijing's provocative actions are significant escalation and its long standing attempt to change the status quo," said national security spokesperson John Kirby.

China's state broadcaster CCTV says the drills will run until Sunday.

Images released by the Chinese military show what appear to be long-range live-fire drills from undisclosed locations.

If you want to learn more about the dispute between China and Taiwan, as well as the Australian government's position, have a read here:

Originally posted here:

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