<div><span style="font-size: 1rem;">Taiwan has accused China of imitating North Korea by firing missiles into the sea around the island.</span><br></div><div><br></div><div>China launched 11 ballistic missiles into waters around Taiwan's north-east and south-west coasts, Taiwan said.</div><div><br></div><div>The launches, just miles from the coast, followed US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan on Wednesday.</div><div><br></div><div>North Korea - a strong ally of China's - has been accused of igniting tensions in the region by repeatedly launching missile tests in recent months.</div><div><br></div><div>China sees Taiwan as a break-away province that will eventually be brought under its control - by force if necessary.</div><div><br></div><div>The US, for its part, does not officially recognise Taiwan. It does, however, maintain a strong relationship with the island - which includes selling weapons for Taiwan to defend itself.</div><div><br></div><div>Ms Pelosi's visit to the island therefore fuelled tensions, with China accusing the US of behaving irresponsibly.</div><div><br></div><div>A day later, China began an unprecedented launch of ballistic missiles and military drills just off the Taiwanese coast.</div><div><br></div><div>In response, Taiwan's defence ministry said it had activated its defence systems and was monitoring the situation.</div><div><br></div><div>Taiwan's ministry of foreign affairs, meanwhile, accused China of "following the example of North Korea in wilfully test-firing missiles into waters near other countries".</div><div><br></div><div>China also launched live fire drills, which are set to end on Sunday.</div><div><br></div><div>China's missile launches and drills are taking place in some of the world's busiest waterways, causing disruption to shipping lanes and flights to and from Taiwan.</div><div><br></div><div>Ships have been forced to re-route, with days-long disruptions expected to have an impact on supply chains with delays to global shipping.</div><div><br></div><div>More than 50 international flights from Taiwan's Taoyuan International Airport have been cancelled. - BBC</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas&nbsp;</div>