As tensions rise across the Taiwan Strait, Taiwan will conduct island-wide drills simulating PLAN missile and warplane raids.

The annual Wan An drill was conducted after a PLA missile frigate allegedly cruised near to Taiwan’s eastern coast on Sunday.

It was the most recent action in a campaign of pressure against the self-governing island, which has seen PLA warplanes often fly over Taiwan’s air defense identification zone. Beijing does not rule out using force to annex the island since it regards it as a part of its territory.

According to Taiwan’s defense ministry, the air raid simulations will take place from July 25 to July 28 and coincide with the yearly Han Kuang military drills, which also mimic assaults from mainland China.

“They will be held in seven areas, including the northern, central, southern and eastern parts of Taiwan proper and Pescadores (Penghu), Quemoy and Matsu of the offshore islands,” stated Chu Sen-tsuen, director of personnel at the All-Out Defence Mobilisation Agency of the ministry.

In the case of a PLA invasion, Taiwan’s outlying islands—particularly Quemoy, also known as Kinmen, and Matsu, which are close to the coast of mainland China—are anticipated to be important targets.

Chu stated that in addition to exercising emergency rescue and evacuation procedures, the drills will test the air raid sirens.

He said the public will be informed about the practice via text messages and that military and police officials would help them find the closest shelter.

“The drills aim to test the public’s responses … strengthen the readiness of all-out civil defence, reduce the damage of air attacks and safeguard life and property,” He said.

He also said that violators might be subject to fines of up to NT $150,000 (US $5,000).

The Wan An drills have been conducted since 1978, but their significance has increased recently as Beijing’s threats to the 23 million-person island have increased.

The semi-official Central News Agency said on Tuesday, citing an unknown military source, that on Sunday, navy and coastguard vessels followed a PLA missile frigate as it navigated through waters 35 nautical miles east of Hualien in Taiwan.

A US warship went 45 nautical miles southeast of Taiwan’s Orchid Island the next day, according to the report.

Beijing has increased its military actions in the region after being incensed by US warships sailing through the Taiwan Strait, which Beijing claims control over but which Washington views as international waters. It has also been agitated by the US’s move toward Taiwan, despite the fact that Washington recognizes Beijing diplomatically and lacks formal connections with Taipei.

In what Beijing perceived as a provocation over US Senator Rick Scott’s visit to Taipei—a prominent Republican who serves on the Senate Armed Services Committee and heads the National Republican Senatorial Committee—a number of PLA fighter planes crossed the Taiwan Strait’s median line on Friday.