China’s efforts to achieve reunification with Taiwan are “destined to succeed,” according to Lin Jian, a spokesperson for the country’s foreign ministry.

Senior Colonel Shi Yi from the People’s Liberation Army’s Eastern Theater Command outlined that the exercises will be centered around “enhancing sea-air combat readiness, establishing control over strategic zones, blocking key ports and regions, and projecting deterrence beyond the island chain.”

The statement advised that “to ensure safety, any non-involved vessels or aircraft should avoid entering the specified waters and airspace.”

On Monday, Taipei reported the presence of four Chinese coastguard ships navigating off its northern and eastern shores.

In response to China’s maneuvers, Taipei’s defense ministry labeled the actions as aggressive, stating they confirm China’s role as “the primary threat to peace.”

The drills by China’s ruling Communist Party “further confirm its nature as an aggressor, making it the greatest destroyer of peace”, Taipei’s defence ministry said.

China calls drills ‘stern warning’

China’s military last held large-scale drills involving live firing around Taiwan in April — surprise manoeuvres condemned by Taipei.