Taiwan reports that China has deployed naval vessels into adjacent waters in preparation for upcoming exercises.

BEIJING — Recent movements by China’s military indicate preparations for significant military drills, likely in response to the recent trip taken by Taiwan’s president to Hawaii and Guam.

On Monday, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense reported that it had identified Chinese naval and coast guard vessels operating within the Taiwan Strait and the broader western Pacific region. Additionally, they noted that China had imposed restrictions on airspace along its southeastern coast, effective until Wednesday.

So far, there has been no official acknowledgement from Chinese authorities regarding these movements.

In light of the situation, Taiwan’s defense ministry announced the establishment of an emergency response center and initiated combat readiness exercises. However, specifics regarding the nature of these activities have not been disclosed.

The Chinese government maintains that Taiwan is a part of its sovereign territory and actively opposes U.S. support for the self-governing island, including military sales. During a week-long tour that concluded last Friday, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te made notable stops in Hawaii and Guam.

China insists that Taiwan is merely a province and thus should not be recognized as having its own president or establish international relations. Responding to Taiwan’s defense ministry statement, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning asserted, “It must be pointed out that there is no such thing as a defense ministry in Taiwan. Taiwan is part of China, and the Taiwan issue is China’s internal affairs. China will firmly safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

Viewing Lai as a proponent of separatism, China has conducted large-scale military exercises surrounding Taiwan following key events such as Lai’s inauguration in May and his speech on national day in October. Moreover, in response to the visit of Nancy Pelosi, the former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, to Taiwan in 2022, China also held extensive military drills.

The latest statement from Taiwan’s defense ministry also included information that China had designated airspace restrictions in seven zones situated off Fujian province, which directly faces Taiwan, and in areas off Zhejiang province, extending northward from Fujian to Shanghai.