China to conduct live-fire military exercises in South China Sea

China has announced plans to conduct live-fire military exercises in various regions of the South China Sea on October 24 and 25.

This information was released in a notice on the Maritime Affairs Office of the People's Republic of China's website, Caliber.Az reports.

The announcement includes a temporary shipping ban in specific areas of the South China Sea, with provided coordinates for the exercises. However, details regarding the forces and equipment involved have not been disclosed.

On October 21, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) conducted live-fire drills off Niushan Island, located near Taiwan's closest point, according to local media reports. These exercises followed the recent passage of U.S. and Canadian warships through the Taiwan Strait, which prompted warnings from China's military that such movements “disrupted the peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait.”

On the same day, Pingtan's maritime safety administration in eastern Fujian province cautioned vessels to steer clear of the waters surrounding Niushan Island, situated approximately 80 kilometres (about 50 miles) south of Taiwan's Matsu Islands and roughly 165 kilometres (102.5 miles) from Taipei.

China views Taiwan as a breakaway province, while Taiwan maintains its stance on independence. In recent years, Beijing has increased its air and naval drills near Taiwan, intensifying military activity in the region.

Notably, the PLA conducted live-fire exercises in Pingtan shortly after a meeting in April 2023 between then-President of Taiwan Tsai Ing-wen and former U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in California. Similarly, in July 2022, the PLA held live-fire drills in the same area just days after issuing stern warnings against a potential visit to Taipei by then-U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

By Tamilla Hasanova