Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense announced on Tuesday that it is closely monitoring the movements of a Chinese aircraft carrier and evaluating China‘s military activities, as security sources indicate that Beijing may initiate new military exercises as early as this weekend.

China, which asserts its claim over the democratically governed Taiwan, has conducted two rounds of military drills around the island this year, with its forces operating in the vicinity on a daily basis.

The Chinese government has a strong aversion to Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te, whom it labels a “separatist.” Sources have informed Reuters that new military drills could be timed with his upcoming trip to the Pacific, which includes stops in Hawaii and Guam.

During a regular press briefing, Taiwan Defense Ministry spokesperson Sun Li-fang stated that while Taiwan is aware of the location of the Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning, specific details could not be disclosed. The Liaoning participated in the most recent Chinese military exercises in October.

“The Ministry of National Defense takes the situation with the enemy very seriously and is fully prepared to address any threats,” he remarked.

When asked if Chinese military exercises could commence this weekend, given that Lai is scheduled to return to Taiwan late on Friday, Sun refrained from providing a direct answer.

“We have a comprehensive assessment of the enemy situation, utilizing numerous indicators to inform our strategic responses to the evolving circumstances.”

China’s defense ministry has not yet responded to a request for comment. The Chinese government has expressed its displeasure with the United States for permitting Lai’s visit. Lai disputes China’s claims of sovereignty but has expressed a desire for peaceful relations with Beijing, offering to engage in dialogue, which has been consistently rejected.

According to three security sources based in Taipei, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the information, recent intelligence assessments indicate a high likelihood of military exercises commencing this weekend. One source noted an unusually busy atmosphere in the waters surrounding Taiwan, suggesting that China may be positioning itself for potential drills.

On Monday, a northbound Russian naval fleet, consisting of three frigates and a supply vessel, approached within 24 nautical miles (45 km) of Taiwan’s southeastern coast and conducted joint simulated attacks on “foreign vessels and aircraft” alongside a nearby Chinese destroyer. The Russian fleet entered the East China Sea early Tuesday and is anticipated to continue its joint military exercises with Chinese forces as it moves northward.

In the meantime, China has deployed nearly 40 vessels in the area, including a carrier group led by the Liaoning in the East China Sea, as well as various naval and coast guard ships in the South China Sea. One source indicated that these deployments may be preparations for drills following Lai’s Pacific trip.

A second source informed Reuters that the upcoming winter drills for China’s military would be atypical and would serve as essential practice for potential operations against Taiwan at any time of the year. “China has been enhancing its capabilities to operate at night, and mastering combat in adverse weather conditions is another critical skill they are working to perfect,” the source added.