China conducted live-fire drills in the Taiwan Strait, escalating military activity just a week after holding air-and-sea drills around the island. The Maritime Safety Administration issued a warning to boats to avoid the area around Niushan island in Fujian province for four hours on Tuesday. Niushan island, situated south of the Taiwan-controlled Matsu islands, is the closest point between mainland China and Taiwan.
Taiwan responded to the drills by downplaying the threat, stating that Beijing’s exercises were part of routine Chinese training. The self-governed island’s defence ministry noted that it was closely monitoring the situation. Taiwan’s premier, Cho Jung-tai, expressed concerns about the tension caused by frequent displays of military power near Taiwan, emphasizing that the Taiwanese military was prepared for any unforeseen events.
The recent drills by China occurred shortly after the country flew a record number of military aircraft towards Taiwan. Reports suggested that this exercise was a response to Taiwan’s president, Lai Ching-te, rejecting Beijing’s claims of sovereignty. China considers Taiwan as part of its territory and regularly conducts exercises around the island. Although a full-scale invasion is considered unlikely, China has not ruled out the use of force to assert control over Taiwan.
The United States, a key ally of Taiwan, has continued to conduct “freedom of navigation” transits through the Taiwan Strait in response to China’s activities. In a similar move, Germany sent two warships through the Taiwan Strait last month to enhance its defense engagement in the Asia-Pacific region. The current president of Taiwan, who took office in May, has been labelled a “separatist” by China for rejecting Beijing’s claims to sovereignty and advocating for the self-determination of Taiwan’s people.
In light of the recent military activities by China, tensions in the region remain high. While the drills and exercises are viewed as routine by Beijing, they have raised concerns about stability and peace in the Taiwan Strait. The international community, including the US, continues to closely monitor developments in the region as the situation between China and Taiwan evolves.