PLA conducts 2 days of live-fire drills in Taiwan Strait off Fujian island

Mainland China has commenced two-day live-fire exercises in the Taiwan Strait, according to its maritime authority. The drills, which began Thursday and will conclude Friday, are being conducted in the coastal waters off Fujian province, specifically in the sea areas east and south of Dongshan Island.

The China Maritime Safety Administration issued a navigation warning detailing the exercise schedule, which runs from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. The designated drill zones, based on provided coordinates, are situated within 12 kilometers of the mainland coast. On Thursday, the exercises focus on an area east of Dongshan Island, extending towards the Taiwan Strait. Friday's drills will occur in a rectangular maritime zone closer to the Dongshan coastline.

These exercises are part of the People's Liberation Army's broader efforts to improve its operational capacities, particularly in harsh environmental conditions, including extreme heat. Such drills often peak in mid and late July. The timing and location of these exercises, in close proximity to Taiwan, underscore the ongoing military activities and tensions in the region.