The Situation:
On 2 August, the U.S. Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi stopped in Taiwan during her Asia Tour despite warnings from China.
Upon her arrival, China began exercising “targeted” drills including missile tests and flying aircraft into Taiwan’s air defense zone. On 4 August, at least 11 Chinese missiles struck seas north, south, and east of Taiwan. The drills are expected to continue over the next 72 hours. On 4 August, five Chinese ballistic missiles fell into Japan’s exclusive economic zone.
Due to China’s military exercises, airlines throughout Asia have cancelled and/or rerouted air traffic amid warnings to avoid Taiwanese airspace. This caused significant flight delays and cancellations throughout the region.
Possible Effects:
Cancelled, delayed, or rerouted flights in the region
Increased regional tension
Mitigating Measures to Apply:
Confirm flight itinerary prior to traveling to airport, including layover locations and statuses
Closely monitor the local situation (local and social media, embassy, POC at the destination, etc.) prior to any travel.
Abide by local laws and restrictions and adhere to the instructions of local authorities.
Allow extra time to travel to/from destination and accommodations.
Enroll in a Safe Traveler program to receive warnings from your preferred embassy
Plan for alternative transportation, if necessary
DISCLAIMER and Hold Harmless Disclaimer: LSDS™ gathers information from multiple sources and offers insight and perspective to travelers. Sources cannot be validated for accuracy in every instance. Travelers assume all risk associated with their travel and are responsible for the decisions associated with travel and for their own safety. Users of this reference document agree, to hold harmless LSDS™ (LLC) its employees and clients associated with any risk or injury incurred during travel.