China Conducts Drills Near Pingtan Islands

China has conducted another series of live-fire drills near Taiwan, focusing on the Pingtan Islands off Fujian province, following recent large-scale military exercises aimed at Taiwan. These activities are part of China's ongoing strategy to expand its deterrent effect and assert sovereignty claims over Taiwan, which it views as a renegade province. Taiwan's defense ministry acknowledges these drills as part of routine exercises but remains vigilant, expressing concerns over the potential for increased regional tension. The U.S. and Canada have responded by sending warships through the Taiwan Strait, asserting freedom of navigation principles, which China criticized as destabilizing. This development underscores the heightened military activities and ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Taiwan Strait, with both sides maintaining heightened military readiness. Beijing continues to label Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te as a separatist, rejecting his calls for dialogue.