China Conducts Live-Fire Drills Near Taiwan Amid Rising Tensions

BEIJING, Oct 22 (Alliance News): China’s military began a live-fire exercise near Taiwan on Tuesday, ramping up pressure on the self-governing island after recent large-scale drills. President Xi Jinping has called for troops to prepare for potential conflict, underscoring Beijing’s stance on Taiwan.

Although Taiwan has never been governed by the Communist Party, China considers it part of its territory and has vowed to assert its control.

Earlier this month, China conducted maneuvers involving planes and warships around Taiwan, which were described as a “stern warning” against pro-independence sentiments.

On Monday, the Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) of Pingtan, an eastern island in China, announced that gunfire exercises would occur in a designated area about 105 kilometers (66 miles) from Taiwan.

The live-fire drill was scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m. local time (0100 GMT) and would last for four hours, covering roughly 150 square kilometers (60 square miles). Pingtan is the closest point in mainland China to Taiwan.

The MSA did not specify which military force would conduct the drills or their intended purpose.

In response, Taiwan’s defense ministry stated that it is closely monitoring China’s military activities and views these exercises as part of Beijing’s broader strategy to intimidate the island, especially given the ongoing tensions in the Taiwan Strait.