Taiwan’s defense ministry confirmed that live-fire drills conducted by China near Niushan island in Fujian province are routine annual exercises but could also be part of China’s deterrence tactics in the Taiwan Strait. These drills come amidst increasing tensions between Taiwan and China, with Taiwan monitoring the exercises closely. China held war games around Taiwan last week as a warning against separatist actions, which Taiwan views as a threat to regional peace and stability. Premier Cho Jung-tai expressed concerns over the frequency and proximity of these exercises to Taiwan, stating that they only serve to escalate tensions unnecessarily. Taiwan has been dealing with regular Chinese military missions in its airspace and waters for the past five years, prompting concerns over China’s aggressive actions. The relationship between the two countries is strained, with China rejecting Taiwan President Lai Ching-te as a separatist and refusing to engage in talks. Lai, on the other hand, asserts that only the people of Taiwan have the right to determine their future and rejects China’s sovereignty claims over the island.
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