China to Conduct Live-Fire Drills in Taiwan Strait
China is preparing to hold live-fire military exercises in the Taiwan Strait on Tuesday. This announcement follows the recent passage of US and Canadian warships through the contested waters. The drills will occur near Niushan Island from 9am to 1pm local time, as reported by China’s Fujian Daily. Ships are prohibited from entering the area during this period.
Location and Significance
Niushan Island is located about 80 kilometers south of the Taiwan-controlled Matsu Islands and 165 kilometers from Taipei. The island’s lighthouse is a crucial navigation point in the Taiwan Strait, and it is near a suspended ferry route between Pingtan and Taipei.
International Tensions
On Sunday, the US Navy’s USS Higgins and Canada’s HMCS Vancouver conducted a routine transit through the Taiwan Strait, asserting freedom of navigation under international law. China criticized these actions, claiming they disrupted peace and stability in the region.
Military Activity
On Tuesday, 17 Chinese military aircraft and 9 naval vessels were detected around Taiwan. Eleven aircraft crossed the median line into Taiwan’s air defense identification zones. Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense monitored and responded to these activities.
Doubts Revealed
China -: China is a large country in Asia, known for its rich history and culture. It is one of the most powerful countries in the world.
Live-fire drills -: Live-fire drills are military exercises where real weapons are used to practice combat scenarios. It helps soldiers prepare for actual battles.
Taiwan Strait -: The Taiwan Strait is a body of water that separates the island of Taiwan from mainland China. It is an important and often tense area due to political issues between China and Taiwan.
US and Canadian warships -: Warships are large, armed ships used by a country’s navy. The US and Canada are countries that sometimes send their warships to different parts of the world for various reasons, like ensuring safe sea routes.
Niushan Island -: Niushan Island is a small island located in the Taiwan Strait. It is near where China plans to conduct its military exercises.
Regional peace -: Regional peace refers to the absence of conflict or war in a specific area. In this context, it means keeping the Taiwan Strait area calm and without military tensions.
Taiwan’s air defense zones -: Air defense zones are areas where a country monitors and controls the airspace to protect against potential threats. Taiwan has such zones to watch for any unauthorized aircraft.
Taiwan’s defense ministry -: Taiwan’s defense ministry is a part of the government responsible for protecting the country and its people from military threats.