China has commenced live-fire military drills off the coast of its Fujian province, directly facing Taiwan just one week after a massive air and sea exercise, described by Beijing as punishment for Taiwan’s president rejecting its claims of sovereignty over the island, The Associated Press reports.
The Maritime Safety Administration announced the drills near the Pingtan islands, warning ships to avoid the area. No further details were provided. Taiwan’s Defense Ministry acknowledged the drills, stating they are part of an annual exercise and they are closely monitoring the situation.
Tensions between China and Taiwan have been steadily escalating in recent years. Beijing views Taiwan as a breakaway province and has repeatedly threatened to use force if necessary to bring it under its control.
Last week’s massive military drill, involving a record number of aircraft and naval vessels, was aimed at practicing the “sealing off of key ports and key areas,” according to Taiwan. The drills were widely interpreted as a demonstration of China’s military capabilities and a warning to Taiwan.
In response to China’s increasing military activity, the United States has continued its “freedom of navigation” transits through the Taiwan Strait. On Sunday, the destroyer USS Higgins and the Canadian frigate HMCS Vancouver sailed through the narrow band of ocean separating China and Taiwan. Germany also sent two warships through the strait last month, indicating its growing defense engagement in the Asia-Pacific region.
China’s pressure on Taiwan extends beyond military activities. South Africa, which does not recognize Taiwan as a country, has requested Taiwan’s liaison office to relocate outside Pretoria. Taiwan has rejected this request, vowing to fight for its presence in the capital.
