Taiwan says it is closely monitoring a series of Chinese live-fire drills conducted around the island’s surrounding waters. Japan Times reports the closest announced exercise is off China’s eastern Zhejiang province and says the drills are scheduled to last all week.
Hong Kong Free Press adds that Taiwan’s defence minister characterizes the situation as preparations for “the worst.” It says Chinese maritime authorities have announced drill dates spanning October 12–20 across multiple regions, including the Bohai Sea, Yellow Sea, East China Sea and South China Sea.
Free Malaysia Today likewise reports that the drills are expected to continue for a week, with preliminary assessments indicating firing exercises involving coastal artillery and related units. Across the outlets, the key shared point is that China conducts live-fire training in several sea areas, while Taiwan monitors developments and prepares for potential spillover risks to maritime and air activity.
