Chinese military exercises around Taiwan are set to disrupt one of the world's busiest shipping zones. The drills are a major show of strength after US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi infuriated Beijing by visiting the island.

The manoeuvres kicked off Thursday and will take place along some of the busiest shipping routes on the planet, used to supply vital semiconductors and electronic equipment produced in East Asian factory hubs to global markets. The routes are also a key artery for natural gas.