China conducted live ammunition drills at Niushan Island, an island part of Fujian province that is located just south of Taiwan’s Matsu islands, starting at 9 a.m. this Tuesday.
Taiwan’s Defense Ministry has confirmed these drills are part of the PLA’s routine training; however, Taiwanese government officials believe it constitutes unnecessary provocation, especially following the recent spate of Chinese military activity in the areas surrounding Taiwan.
Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) said the act undermines regional peace and stability, saying such activity should neither be so frequent nor so close to Taiwan. Cho emphasized that Taiwan’s military is fully prepared to protect national sovereignty and the people’s security.
Defense Ministry Spokesperson Sun Li-fang (孫立方) said that while live fire drills are typical of the PLA’s annual training activities, it is possible the drills are intended as part of a “deterrence effect.” He said that the Ministry will continue to closely monitor China’s activities in and around the Taiwan Strait.
Legislators from both sides expressed their concerns, as well. DPP Legislative Caucus Deputy Chief Executive Hung Sun-han (洪申翰) said he believes China is trying to normalize military exercises and intrusions. DPP Legislator Wang Ting-yu (王定宇) noted that even though this drill should be a routine exercise, its debut shortly after the Joint Sword - 2024B drill appears timed to take advantage of already heightened tensions by increasing pressure on Taiwan.
To this point, KMT Legislator Hung Mong-kai (洪孟楷) added that these exercises and their increasing proximity to Taiwan are not conducive to cross-strait relations and will only trigger resentment from Taiwanese people. KMT Legislator Lai Shyh-bao (賴士葆) called on the Lai administration to propose countermeasures to these continued threats from China.