China’s Live-Fire Drills in Taiwan Strait
China is planning to conduct live-fire drills in the Taiwan Strait on Tuesday, as reported by local media in Taiwan. This follows the passage of US and Canadian warships through the contested waters on Sunday and a large military exercise by China a week earlier.
Details of the Drills
The live-fire exercises will occur near Niushan Island from 9am to 1pm local time, according to China’s Fujian Daily. The Maritime Safety Administration has issued a notice prohibiting ships from entering the area during this time.
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 key navigation point in the Taiwan Strait, and it is near a suspended ferry route between Pingtan and Taipei.
US and Canadian Naval Activity
On Sunday, the US Navy’s USS Higgins and the Canadian frigate HMCS Vancouver conducted a routine transit through the Taiwan Strait. The US Navy stated that this was in accordance with international law, emphasizing freedom of navigation and overflight.
China’s Response
China criticized the US and Canadian actions, claiming they disrupted peace and stability in the region. A military spokesperson expressed these concerns on Monday.
Military Activity Around Taiwan
On Tuesday, 17 Chinese aircraft and 9 naval vessels were detected around Taiwan. Eleven of these aircraft crossed the median line into Taiwan’s air defense identification zones (ADIZ) in the north, center, and southwest. Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense monitored and responded to the situation.
Doubts Revealed
Live-Fire Drills -: Live-fire drills are military exercises where real weapons are used to practice combat scenarios. It helps the military prepare for actual situations by using real ammunition.
Taiwan Strait -: The Taiwan Strait is a body of water that separates Taiwan from mainland China. It is an important and often sensitive area due to the political tensions between China and Taiwan.
US and Canadian Naval Passage -: This refers to the movement of naval ships from the United States and Canada through the Taiwan Strait. Such passages are often done to show support for international laws and freedom of navigation.
USS Higgins -: USS Higgins is a warship belonging to the United States Navy. It is used for various missions, including defense and showing presence in international waters.
HMCS Vancouver -: HMCS Vancouver is a warship from the Canadian Navy. Like the USS Higgins, it participates in missions to support international laws and maintain peace.
Niushan Island -: Niushan Island is a small island located in the Taiwan Strait. It is near this island that China plans to conduct its live-fire drills.
ADIZ -: ADIZ stands for Air Defense Identification Zone. It is an area where a country monitors and identifies aircraft to ensure security, even if the area is not within its national airspace.