NNA - China's military said it practised hitting key ports and energy sites during "live-fire" drills Wednesday as part of exercises aimed at Taiwan, the democratic island it claims as its own.

The surprise manoeuvres were criticised by Washington as "intimidation tactics" and come after Taiwan President Lai Ching-te called China a "foreign hostile force".

Named "Strait Thunder-2025A", the drills are located in the middle and southern parts of the strait, the military said, which is a vital artery for global shipping.

The military said it held "long-range live-fire drills" and practised hitting "simulated targets of key ports and energy facilities" during the exercises.--agencies 

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