China today began military exercises, which include live fire, in the vicinity of Taiwan, Chinese state television CCTV reported, the largest ever operation near the island claimed by Beijing

"The exercises are beginning," CCTV said in a message posted on the social network Weibo. The exercises are scheduled through Sunday.

The military maneuvers come in response to US Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan, seen as a serious provocation by China.

Nancy Pelosi is the most important US official to visit the island in 25 years.

The Chinese government has responded in recent days with economic sanctions on Taiwan.

Washington also has an aircraft carrier and other naval equipment in the region.

Beijing claims sovereignty over the island and has considered Taiwan a breakaway province since the Kuomintang nationalists withdrew to the island in 1949 after losing the civil war against the communists. (Lusa)