China has initiated live-fire drills off the coast of its southern Fujian province, facing Taiwan, just a week after a large-scale air-and-sea exercise aimed at pressuring Taiwan over its refusal to acknowledge Beijing's claims of sovereignty.

The live-fire drills are taking place near the Pingtan Islands off Fujian from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., according to a notice from the Maritime Safety Administration. Ships were warned to avoid the area during the exercise, though no additional details were provided.

Taiwan's Defense Ministry acknowledged the drills, noting they are part of China's annual military exercise. "It cannot be ruled out that it is one of the ways to expand the deterrent effect in line with the dynamics in the Taiwan Strait," the ministry said.

Tensions between China and Taiwan have intensified in recent years, with China increasing its military presence in the region. Taiwan is a self-governed island that China claims as part of its territory. China has been sending growing numbers of warplanes and navy vessels near Taiwan, with patrols becoming more frequent.

Last week, China held a one-day military exercise simulating the "sealing off of key ports and areas" around Taiwan. Taiwan reported a record number of Chinese aircraft—153 in a single day—along with 14 navy vessels and 12 other government ships involved in the drill.

In response to China's actions, the U.S. has continued its "freedom of navigation" operations in the Taiwan Strait. On Sunday, the U.S. destroyer USS Higgins, along with the Canadian frigate HMCS Vancouver, transited the narrow waters separating China and Taiwan.

Germany has also increased its defense engagement in the region, sending two warships through the Taiwan Strait last month.

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