Taiwan closely monitors series of Chinese live-fire drills

Taiwan will be monitoring closely the Chinese live-fire drills taking place off its coast, according to the island's defence minister. The drills are scheduled to occur from October 12th to the 20th in the Bohai Sea, Yellow Sea, East China Sea, and South China Sea. China asserts that Taiwan is an integral part of its territory and has previously threatened to employ force to assert control over the island. The drills will be conducted in waters adjacent to China's coast, as reported by official announcements.

Defence Minister Wellington Koo emphasized that Taiwan will maintain vigilant monitoring of all activities conducted by China, whether they involve live-fire exercises or other military training. He stressed that the People's Liberation Army's (PLA) frequent military drills, which instill unease in the Indo-Pacific region, warrant our close attention and condemnation.

China regularly deploys fighter jets, warships, and coast guard vessels near Taiwan, routinely engaging in military exercises as part of preparations for a potential invasion of the island. Taiwan is allocating billions of dollars to bolster its defense capabilities, with President Lai Ching-te asserting that the spending is intended to deter war, not initiate one.

However, China's Taiwan Affairs Office has accused Lai of inciting confrontation across the Taiwan Strait. The government of President Lai has allocated a record NT$1.1 trillion (US$34.5 billion) for defense spending in 2027, representing over three percent of Taiwan's GDP.