Tension in Taiwan Strait: Monitoring Chinese Military Drills Close to Island

Taiwan's defense ministry is monitoring Chinese military exercises in the Fujian province across the Taiwan Strait. The drills, involving various combat assets, signify increased pressure from China, which claims Taiwan as its territory. Taiwan has previously observed similar exercises and dismisses China’s full invasion capability.

Taiwan's defense ministry announced on Wednesday that it is keeping a close watch on Chinese military drills in Fujian province, just across the Taiwan Strait. These exercises, which involve combat aircraft, helicopters, drones, amphibious ships, and ground troops, are seen as part of China's efforts to assert its territorial claim over democratically-governed Taiwan.

The ministry reported detecting these activities starting Tuesday around Dacheng Bay, adding that it is actively monitoring the situation. Despite calls for comment, China's defense ministry has yet to respond. This isn't the first time such drills have been observed; similar exercises have taken place in September in previous years.

However, Taiwan's defense ministry remains confident that China lacks the capability to fully invade the island, as per a recent report to parliament. This comes after large-scale war games conducted by China around Taiwan in May, following Lai Ching-te's assumption of office as Taiwan's new president. Lai has consistently called for dialogue with Beijing, emphasizing that only the people of Taiwan can decide their future.

(With inputs from agencies.)