China’s defense ministry addressed the recent surge of military activities near Taiwan on Friday, asserting that the decision to conduct drills rests solely with China. The ministry emphasized that the military would remain active in countering separatist forces.

In response to a significant increase in Chinese military maneuvers around the island and in the East and South China Seas, Taiwan’s defense ministry heightened its alert status and activated an emergency response center on Monday.

While China’s military has not officially announced any drills, Beijing maintains that Taiwan, which operates under a democratic government, is part of its territory. This assertion is firmly rejected by Taipei, which insists that only the people of Taiwan have the authority to determine their future.

In a statement regarding Taiwan President Lai Ching-te’s recent trips to Hawaii and Guam, the Chinese defense ministry refrained from confirming or denying the occurrence of drills but referenced the ancient military strategist Sun Zi.

“Just as water takes on no fixed form, warfare is characterized by ever-changing conditions,” the ministry quoted, highlighting the unpredictable nature of military engagements. It further stated, “The decision to conduct exercises, and the timing thereof, is ours to make based on our needs and the current situation. Regardless of whether exercises are conducted, the People’s Liberation Army will remain vigilant and resolute in its efforts against independence and in favor of reunification.”

Any dependence on “foreign forces to pursue independence”—the typical phrase employed by China to caution the United States against supporting Taiwan—will face severe repercussions and is “destined to fail,” the ministry stated.

This year, China has conducted two series of military exercises around Taiwan, the latest occurring in October in response to Lai’s national day, which they characterized as a warning against “separatist actions” and pledged to take further measures if necessary.

Security analysts had anticipated that China would conduct drills in conjunction with Lai’s visit to the U.S., as well as to convey a message to the incoming Trump administration regarding China’s boundaries.

On Thursday, the de facto U.S. embassy in Taiwan noted that Chinese military activities in the area were currently heightened, but did not interpret this increased activity as a direct reaction to Lai’s visit to the U.S.

Later that day, Taiwan’s defense ministry announced the disbandment of its emergency response center, indicating the conclusion of the current phase of Chinese military maneuvers.

On Friday morning, the ministry reported that only 12 Chinese military aircraft had been observed operating in the vicinity over the past 24 hours, a decrease from the 34 noted the previous day.

Additionally, Taiwan’s coast guard reported that nine Chinese coast guard vessels, which had been positioned off the island’s southeast and southwest coasts, had moved northward after engaging in “unwarranted” activities in recent days.

The coast guard also released images and videos of its ships monitoring Chinese vessels off the island’s east coast amid rough seas and overcast skies.