TAIPEI: Taiwan says China held live-fire drills along its southeastern coast on Tuesday, designating multiple maritime and air zones in the Taiwan Strait as no-go areas, according to Taiwanese officials. The Eastern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) conducted these exercises off the coast of Zhejiang province and Fuzhou city in Fujian province. According to Anadolu Agency, Taiwan's Defense Ministry reported that at least 20 PLA aircraft were detected around Taiwan during the drills. Of these, 13 aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, entering Taiwan's northern, central, and southwestern air defense identification zone (ADIZ). In response, Taiwanese armed forces monitored the situation closely and took necessary action to address the incursions. China's military maneuvers around Taiwan have been a regular occurrence, as Beijing continues to assert its claim over the island, which it regards as a "breakaway province." Recent statistics indicate a significant increase of 30 0% in the number of Chinese jets entering Taiwan's ADIZ. Despite China's non-recognition of the ADIZ and the median line, Taiwan has maintained its stance on independence since 1949.