Taiwan closely monitors series of Chinese live-fire drills

Taiwan's defence minister, Wellington Koo, reported on Monday that the military is currently monitoring a series of Chinese live-fire drills occurring along the island's coastline. These drills commenced on Thursday, with the China Maritime Safety Administration issuing sail notices for five areas, ranging from the South China Sea to the northeastern province of Liaoning, with the nearest being off China's eastern province of Zhejiang.

Koo, speaking to reporters in parliament, stated that the drills appear to involve coastal artillery and related units, but emphasized the need to anticipate potential threats broadly. President Lai Ching-te, in his national day speech, emphasized Taiwan's commitment to peace but also its right to exist and self-determination, despite China's rejection of these remarks and its labeling of President Lai as a separatist.

China has consistently condemned President Lai's speech and rebuffed his offers of dialogue. While China has not explicitly linked the current drills to Lai's speech, on Sunday, China's defence ministry accused him of exaggerating the threat from China and seeking independence through force. China's regular military exercises and training around Taiwan, the ministry stated, are intended to deter Taiwan independence movements and foreign interference, and to ensure the security and well-being of the Taiwanese populace.