China’s military said Sunday it carried out “combat patrols” near Taiwan, framing the move as a response to what it described as provocations from Taipei. The announcement came as Taiwan reported another round of Chinese military activity in its air and sea approaches.

According to the Reuters report, Chinese forces said the patrols were meant to signal pressure on the self-ruled island. Taiwan, which rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims, has repeatedly complained about Chinese aircraft and naval vessels operating near its territory.

The latest exchange adds to already tense cross-strait relations, with Beijing stepping up military demonstrations while Taipei seeks to deter coercion and maintain day-to-day security. The situation remains one of the region’s most volatile flashpoints, with the risk of miscalculation affecting civilians on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.