TAIPEI — Taiwan’s defense ministry said on Tuesday that China’s recent live-fire military drills, held just across the water from Taiwan, could be China’s way of trying to scare people. The drills, near Niushan Island in China’s Fujian province, took place for four hours and included real shooting practice.
Taiwan’s officials believe these drills are part of China’s routine training, but they are also worried they might be meant as a “warning” to Taiwan. China has recently increased its military activity around Taiwan, which it claims as its own territory.
Taiwan’s Premier, Cho Jung-tai, said China shouldn’t do these exercises so close, as they create unnecessary fear and make things tense. Taiwan’s President, Lai Ching-te, has said that only the people of Taiwan have the right to decide their future, even though China disagrees and sees him as a “separatist.”
