Chinese President Xi Jinping urged troops to enhance their war preparedness during a visit to the People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force, state media reported.

Xi emphasized the need for stronger combat and strategic deterrent capabilities, just days after large-scale military drills around Taiwan.

China has intensified military pressure on Taiwan, which it claims as its territory, and recently conducted its fourth round of war games in two years, NDTV has reported.

Xi stressed the importance of safeguarding China’s security and core interests, while tensions over Taiwan, which has been self-ruled since 1949, continue to rise.

Written by B.C. Begley