Taiwan’s armed forces have issued an alert, dispatched air and naval patrols and activated ground-based missile systems in response to the situation, the country’s Ministry of National Defense said. China conducted a series of live-fire military drills in seven zones around Taiwan this week in response to US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to the island. Her visit angered China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory rather than a self-governing country, saying it violated its “one China” policy. The principle is diplomatic recognition of China’s position that there is only one Chinese government. While the drills were taking place on Friday night, Taiwan’s military said it spotted four unmanned aerial vehicles flying in the area of ​​Kinmen County. The four drones, believed to be Chinese, were spotted over the waters around the Kinmen island complex, nearby Lieyu Island and Beiding Island, according to Taiwan’s Kinmen Defense Command. Taiwan responded by firing warning flares. “Our government and military are closely monitoring China’s military exercises and information warfare operations, ready to respond as needed,” Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen tweeted. “I call on the international community to support democratic Taiwan and stop any escalation of the regional security situation,” he added. Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player 2:55 What is happening now with China and Taiwan? Chinese military exercises have been taking place since Thursday and include missile attacks on targets in the seas north and south of the island. Read more: How disruptive are China’s military drills? Why Nancy Pelosi’s Taiwan trip is so controversial Expected to last until Sunday, the drills prompted Taiwan to put its military on alert and conduct defensive drills. Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player 0:42 Chinese fighter jets over the Taiwan Straits The US has several navies in the region, but the Biden administration has said it remains committed to the one-China policy, which recognizes Beijing as China’s government but allows informal relations and defense ties with Taiwan. The administration discouraged but did not prevent Ms. Pelosi from visiting. In continued retaliation for Ms Pelosi’s trip, China has imposed sanctions on her and suspended defense talks with the US.