French lawmakers visit Taiwan after China's war drill threats
A group of French lawmakers landed in Taiwan, the first high-level European delegation since China conducted huge war drills to protest a visit to the island by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
The trip came as Taiwan held two days of live fire drills on a strategic island that lies between its coast and China.
Taiwan is under constant threat of an invasion by China, which claims the self-ruled island as part of its territory to be seized one day.
Beijing lashes out at any diplomatic action that might lend Taiwan legitimacy, and has responded with growing anger to visits by Western officials and politicians.
The delegation of five French lawmakers is being led by Senator Cyril Pellevat, Taiwan's foreign ministry said, adding it was the fourth visit by French politicians in the past 12 months.
Another US delegation will visit the island, the American Institute in Taiwan -- Washington's de facto embassy on the island -- said.
China's huge war drills triggered widespread support in the United States for solidarity with Taiwan, which already has rare bipartisan support on Capitol Hill.
Many European powers have also grown more vocal in support of Taiwan in recent years, while Russia invading Ukraine has deepened fears China might do the same to its neighbour.
Politicians from European countries regularly visit the island.
