TAIPEI, Taiwan — China has commenced live-fire military exercises off the coast of its Fujian province, adjacent to Taiwan. This activity follows closely on the heels of an extensive air and naval drill, which was described by Chinese authorities as a direct response to Taiwan’s president dismissing Beijing’s sovereignty claims.

The current live-fire exercises are taking place near the Pingtan islands in Fujian from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., as indicated by a notice from the Maritime Safety Administration. The notice cautioned vessels to steer clear of the operational zone, although further specifics regarding the drills were not provided.

Taiwan’s Defense Ministry has stated that these drills fit within the framework of an annual military exercise, and they are actively monitoring the situation. They noted that these actions could be perceived as an effort to amplify China’s deterrent posture amid the evolving circumstances in the Taiwan Strait.

Taiwan operates autonomously but is claimed by Beijing as part of its territory. Recently, tensions between the two have escalated significantly. China has ramped up its maritime and aerial activities surrounding the island, dispatching an increasing number of military aircraft and naval vessels for exercises in the vicinity. Additionally, Chinese coast guard units have been intensifying their patrols in nearby waters.

Last week alone, China conducted a one-day military operation, focusing on the “sealing off of key ports and regions.” Taiwan reported unprecedented numbers for that day, documenting 153 aircraft, 14 naval ships, and 12 other vessels from the Chinese government.

In response to these developments, the United States has maintained its policy of conducting “freedom of navigation” operations through the Taiwan Strait. This past Sunday, the USS Higgins, a destroyer, alongside the Canadian frigate HMCS Vancouver, successfully navigated the waters that separate China and Taiwan.

In addition to U.S. operations, Germany also participated last month by sending two warships through the Taiwan Strait as part of its broader strategy to bolster defense collaboration in the Asia-Pacific region.