China is conducting live-fire drills near Taiwan, just a week after a significant military exercise, escalating tensions in the region.
Kabul 24: The drills are taking place off the coast of Fujian province, specifically near the Pingtan islands, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. local time. The Maritime Safety Administration has issued warnings for vessels to avoid the area during this period12.
Taiwan’s Response
Taiwan’s Defense Ministry is monitoring these drills, characterizing them as part of an annual exercise. They noted that these actions may be aimed at enhancing China’s deterrent capabilities in response to ongoing dynamics in the Taiwan Strait29.
Rising Tensions
Tensions have intensified in recent years as China increases military activities around Taiwan, including sending numerous warplanes and naval vessels for exercises. Last week alone, Taiwan recorded a record number of Chinese military incursions, with 153 aircraft and multiple naval vessels detected in a single day24.
International Reactions
In response to China’s military maneuvers, the United States continues “freedom of navigation” operations in the Taiwan Strait. Recently, U.S. and Canadian warships transited the area, which China criticized as destabilizing34.
