The Chinese Army has begun a large-scale live-fire exercise around Taiwan. They will last from August 4 to 7 in six water areas near the island.

This is reported by The Guardian.

It is noted that during this period ships and aircraft may not enter the water area and the airspace of areas where exercises are held.

The media report that for the first time in the framework of the exercises Beijing will use hypersonic missile DF-17 "aircraft carrier killer" and long-range artillery.

It is reported that the six zones where the exercises take place surround the island and sometimes overlap with Taiwan's territorial waters, and some are even very close to the island's key ports.

That said, Taiwan's Defense Ministry said its armed forces are keeping an eye on what's going on.

"We do not seek escalation, but we will not back down when it comes to our security and sovereignty," the agency said.

Meanwhile, Chinese state media reported that Beijing conducted a long-range artillery live-fire exercise in the Taiwan Strait, noting that "the expected results were achieved."

"The Eastern Command of the People's Liberation Army of China (PLA) conducted long-range firing exercises in the Taiwan Strait around 1 p.m. Thursday and struck specific targets with precision. The expected results were achieved," state broadcaster CGTN wrote.

As a reminder, earlier it was reported that China will involve missiles capable of carrying a thermonuclear charge in exercises around Taiwan.

We would like to add that on August 2, U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi came to Taiwan despite China's threats.

After that, China threatened the U.S. and announced military exercises, which began immediately after the start of the visit.