Taiwan sends forces after China announces 'live-fire' drills off island

By Aamir Latif

KARACHI, Pakistan (AA) - Taiwan on Wednesday said it dispatched forces after China announced live-fire drills off the island.

"Overall 32 PLA aircraft in various types (including J-11, KJ-500, etc.) were detected from 0850hr today. Out of which, 22 crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered the northern and southwestern ADIZ in conducting air-sea joint training along with PLAN vessels," Taipei's Defense Ministry said in a post on X.

China's military, it added, has set up a drill zone for "live-fire exercises" about 40 nautical miles (74 km) off Taiwan's southwest coast without prior notification.

Taiwanese forces have monitored the situation and responded, the ministry added.

There was no immediate confirmation from China if it was carrying out any new drills around Taiwan.