China's Live-Fire Drills Near Taiwan Escalate Tensions

China's unannounced live-fire military exercises near Taiwan have raised alarms over regional security. Taiwan's Ministry of Defence condemned the act, highlighting dangers to international navigation and regional stability. Meanwhile, 32 Chinese military assets were detected near Taiwan, with 22 crossing the unofficial boundary in the Taiwan Strait.

China's recent military maneuvers have escalated tensions in the Taiwan Strait. A live-fire training area was set up just 40 nautical miles from Taiwan's Kaohsiung without warning, eliciting criticism from Taiwan's Ministry of Defence. The ministry described Beijing's actions as a breach of international standards, swiftly deploying forces to monitor the situation.

The unexpected military exercises, first reported by Radio Free Asia, pose significant threats to the safety of aviation and maritime traffic. Taiwan implemented measures to safeguard navigation after detection of the exercise via temporary radio contact. The ministry highlighted the drills as a direct provocation to regional security.

Further compounding the situation, Taiwan recently apprehended a Chinese-flagged vessel suspected of severing a communication cable, suspecting involvement in China's 'gray zone' tactics. Taiwan continues to vigilantly monitor sea and airspace, maintaining readiness to respond to developments.

(With inputs from agencies.)