Taiwan’s military has issued a statement and said their forces are now on alert and closely monitoring the Chinese drills after 11 Donfeng ballistic missiles were fired into their waters.

Taiwan’s Defence Ministry said that China launched several Dongfeng ballistic missiles into their waters near its Matsu islands around its northeast and southwest.

They said in a statement, “The Ministry of National Defence stresses that it will uphold the principle of preparing for war without seeking war, and with an attitude of not escalating conflict and causing disputes.”

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Taipei said that civil defence drills have been held and notices have been placed on designated air raid shelters across the island amid China’s “irrational behaviour” which is intended to alter the status quo and disrupt regional peace and stability.

The statement added, “The three service branches will combine efforts with all the people to jointly safeguard national security and territorial integrity” whilst adapting to the ongoing and escalating situation as it develops.

Videos now surfacing on #China's social media of alleged artillery & missile launches towards the #Taiwan strait #ChinaTaiwanCrisis pic.twitter.com/CWF7dA96vJ

— Damien Symon (@detresfa_) August 4, 2022

The Defence Ministry said their army will “maintain close contact with regional allies and strengthen coordination” to prevent any escalation.

Taiwan said that China’s navy, air force and other forces are conducting military drills in six zones where by they have surrounded the country and officials say the drills violate United Nations rules.

More videos from #China's social media of alleged artillery & missile launches towards the #Taiwan strait #ChinaTaiwanCrisis #ltpcalculator #TaiwanStraitsCrisis #PakistanArmy pic.twitter.com/IGxFpxAy0u

— ALKA MANDAL (@Alka_Mandall) August 4, 2022

China has started military drills on the busiest international waterways and aviation routes and Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party said that their actions are “irresponsible, illegitimate behaviour.”

A Taiwanese source said that Chinese navy ships and military aircraft had crossed the Taiwan Strait median line several times on Thursday morning and as a result, Taiwan scrambled jets and deployed missile systems to track multiple Chinese aircraft crossing the line.