Chinese naval forces will start live-fire exercises off Taiwan just hours after an unofficial US delegation arrived on the self-ruled island.

The six-day military drills began today in waters off Taiwan's south-west coast.

A no-entry zone for shipping has been announced by Chinese maritime safety officials while the live-fire drills are underway until Tuesday, reports The South China Morning Post.

The People’s Liberation Army exercise comes as Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen is due to meet a visiting American delegation on Thursday morning.

Former US senator Chris Dodd and former deputy secretaries of state Richard Armitage and James Steinberg travelled to Taipei on Tuesday for a three-day visit. They were sent by President Joe Biden, with the White House describing the trip as a “personal signal” of his commitment to Taiwan and its democracy.

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen was scheduled to meet a visiting US delegation on Thursday, comprised of a former US senator and two ex-State Department officials who arrived in Taiwan on Wednesday.

Taiwan is a self-governing island that is claimed by China. The US has repeatedly expressed concern about Chinese military activity near Taiwan including frequent flights in and out of the area by military aircraft.

Earlier this week, Taiwan Foreign Ministry spokesperson Joanne Ou said the government welcomed the delegation from President Joe Biden's administration, whose visit conveys the US's firm friendship and support for Taiwan.

A large majority of Taiwanese favour the current system of de facto independence while maintaining close economic ties with China.

The US has only unofficial relations with Taiwan but is bound under American law to ensure the island can defend itself from attacks and to treat all threats against it as a matter of "grave concern."

Under new legislation, the US has boosted visits by Cabinet-level officials to the island and has agreed to sell upgraded missile systems, fighter jets and other defensive weaponry.

(Inputs from South China Morning Post)

Image Source: AP