Taiwan has said China is preparing to invade the country.

As a result, it has began live ammunition artillery exercises, this is as China continues aggressive military drills near its territory.

The exercise named Tien Lei would prepare Taiwan’s defence against an attack by China’s principal force, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

The drill is taking place from Tuesday as part of Taiwan’s annual Han Kuang exercises.

Taiwanese television reports flares were fired in coastal areas during the training in Pingtung County in Taiwan’s south.

The zone was previously designated by the Chinese army for its drill.

On Tuesday, Taiwan’s foreign minister Joseph Wu condemned China’s extension of its manoeuvres.

“China’s real intention behind these military exercises is to alter the status quo in the Taiwan Strait and the entire region,” Wu told reporters in Taipei.

The island described China’s drills, missile launches, and cyberattacks as part of a “playbook to prepare for the invasion of Taiwan”.