China's military held long-range, live-fire drills in the East China Sea on Wednesday in an escalation of exercises around Taiwan, saying it was practicing precision strikes on port and energy facilities,

The Chinese military staged a second day of exercises around Taiwan on Wednesday, launching live-fire strikes in the East China Sea and practicing blockade operations near crucial shipping lanes to the east and west of the island.

One analyst called China’s large-scale drills a “pre-invasion operation” as it ramps up attacks on Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, calling him a “parasite.”