What’s happening: Tourists were still flocking to the island about eight miles off the southwest coast of Taiwan, even as the drills were underway.

Divers swam with turtles close to the shore, and fishing boats traversed the nearby waters as usual. In the evenings, seaside restaurants and bars were filled to capacity.

What they’re saying: In interviews with more than 20 tourists and local residents, nonchalance seemed to be the most common attitude toward the live-fire drills happening just a few miles away.

When asked if they were nervous about the close proximity of Chinese ships warships and planes, numerous people laughed and shook their heads. Others said the drills were only intended as a show of intimidation rather than a serious military threat.

“They are putting political pressure on us, but me personally, I don’t think anything bad’s gonna happen,” said Chi Tsao, who came to Liuqiu with a group of friends. “If they wanted to do something militarily, they would have done that a long time ago.”