The Chinese mainland is closely monitoring the movements of the Taiwan military around Kinmen, an island administered by Taiwan and close to the mainland coast, a mainland spokesman said on Wednesday.

The Democratic Progressive Party authorities in Taiwan recently announced plans for live-fire drills in Kinmen Island, Lieyu Island and other areas in April. The Taiwan military said that the actions are part of routine training exercises and are not targeted.

Chen Binhua, a spokesman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said: "Whether it is 'routine' training or 'targeted' provocation, the DPP authorities know better than anyone else."

The people of Kinmen have experienced the transition between peace and war, and they increasingly cherish peace and oppose war, he said. "They have made the right choice in 'firing guns' and 'building bridges'."

"If the Taiwan military provokes and dares to act recklessly, it will surely fail," he said.