Chinese warship conducts live-fire drills near Taiwan Strait
STORY: The Chinese warship with hull number 971 was seen conducting live-fire drills near Pingtan Island, China's closest point to Taiwan, with soldiers on deck. During the exercise, the sound of gunfire could be heard in the area.
The live-fire drills were launched on Saturday (April 8) as a warning against what Beijing considers pro-independence forces in Taiwan. According to a Wall Street Journal report, citing releases from the local Fujian government, the drills will last a total of 12 days.
Taiwan's government has repeatedly denounced the drills, with President Tsai Ing-wen criticising Beijing for its "irresponsible" behavior.
