China has been conducting live-fire military drills off the coast of its southern Fujian province, specifically near the Pingtan Islands, in a show of force aimed at Taiwan.
The exercise comes just a week after China carried out a significant air and sea operation, which it described as a punishment for Taiwan’s president rejecting Beijing’s claims of sovereignty over the island.
At the time of the operation China’s Taiwan Affairs Office said in a statement “This is a resolute punishment for Lai Ching-te’s continuous fabrication of ‘Taiwan independence’ nonsense.”
The Maritime Safety Administration has since issued a warning to ships to avoid the area during these new drills, though it did not provide additional details regarding the scope or duration of the exercises.
Taiwan’s Defense Ministry has stated that it is monitoring the situation closely, indicating that the drills are part of China’s annual military exercises.
A view of a China Coast Guard boat from a Taiwan Coast Guard boat, Oct. 14, 2024. China is holding live-fire drills off the coast of its southern Fujian province facing Taiwan, just a week after a massive air-and-sea drill it called punishment for Taiwan’s president rejecting Beijing’s claims of sovereignty.
Taiwan Coast Guard via AP
The ministry added “It cannot be ruled out that it is one of the ways to expand the deterrent effect in line with the dynamics in the Taiwan Strait.”
Taiwan operates as a self-governing territory, but Beijing maintains that it is a part of China.
In recent years, tensions surrounding this issue have escalated, marked by a significant increase in Chinese military activity in the waters and airspace surrounding Taiwan.
China has increasingly deployed large numbers of warplanes and naval vessels in military exercises near the island, while its Coast Guard conducts regular patrols in the area.
Last week, China conducted a one-day military exercise designed to practice the “sealing off key ports and key areas.”
During this exercise, Taiwan recorded a substantial uptick in military activity, noting a record total of 153 aircraft, 14 navy vessels, and 12 Chinese government ships operating in the vicinity within a single day.
In response to China’s military maneuvers, the U.S. has continued its operations aimed at ensuring freedom of navigation through the Taiwan Strait.
On Sunday, the USS Higgins destroyer and the Canadian frigate HMCS Vancouver transited the strait, reinforcing their commitment to regional security.
This follows Germany’s recent decision to send two warships through the Taiwan Strait which is part of its strategy to enhance defense engagement in the Asia-Pacific region.
A boat moves through the water at the 68-nautical-mile scenic spot, the closest point in mainland China to the island of Taiwan, in Pingtan in southeastern China’s Fujian province, Aug. 5, 2022. Last week, China held a one-day military exercise aimed at practicing the “sealing off key ports and key areas.” Taiwan counted a record one-day total of 153 aircraft, 14 navy vessels and 12 Chinese government ships. Ng Han Guan/AP, File
Ng Han Guan/AP, File
Diplomatically, China has also exerted pressure on Taiwan by attempting to undermine its international recognition.
Recently, South Africa, which does not officially recognize the sovereignty of Taiwan, requested that Taiwan relocate its liaison office from Pretoria as a concession to Beijing.
In response to this diplomatic maneuvering, Taiwan stated on Monday that it would decline the request, underscoring its commitment to maintaining its international presence despite growing pressure from China.
As tensions continue to rise in the region, the military activities and diplomatic developments surrounding Taiwan remain critical points of focus for both regional and global observers.
This article contains additional reporting from The Associated Press.
