TAIPEI — On Tuesday (Oct 22), Taiwan’s defense ministry announced that the live-fire drills conducted by China in a province opposite the island were part of routine annual exercises, though they might also contribute to China’s "deterrence effect" in the Taiwan Strait.

China’s Maritime Safety Administration had issued a notice late Monday indicating that an area near Niushan Island in Fujian province would be closed for live-fire drills from 9 a.m. on Tuesday for four hours. Niushan is located just south of the Taiwan-administered Matsu Islands.

In a statement, Taiwan’s defense ministry acknowledged the exercises as part of China’s regular training but emphasized it was closely monitoring the situation. The ministry also suggested the drills might be connected to China’s effort to "expand its deterrence" in the region, though no further details were provided.

Last week, China conducted a day of military exercises around Taiwan, which Beijing regards as its territory. The drills were framed as a warning against "separatist activities."

Taiwan’s Premier, Cho Jung-tai, criticized China’s actions during a press briefing in Taipei, stating that such exercises threaten regional peace and stability.

"Regardless of the scale, these drills should not be frequent or conducted near Taiwan," he said. "They only serve to heighten unnecessary tensions."

For the past five years, Taiwan has expressed concern over frequent Chinese military missions involving warplanes and naval vessels around the island.

China, which considers Taiwan President Lai Ching-te a "separatist," has refused his calls for dialogue. Lai, who took office in May, rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims, asserting that only the people of Taiwan have the right to determine their future.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters file