China Launches Military Drills Near Taiwan Amid Rising Tensions

China has initiated large-scale military exercises around Taiwan, marking a significant escalation in regional tensions. The drills, involving naval, air, ground, and missile forces, serve as a direct warning against Taiwan’s independence aspirations.

The Eastern Theater Command of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) confirmed that the exercises aim to demonstrate China’s military strength and reinforce its territorial claims. Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense reported increased Chinese naval activity, including the deployment of 19 warships and the Shandong aircraft carrier near its waters.

Taiwan has responded by mobilizing its defense systems and closely monitoring the situation. Defense Minister Wellington Koo criticized Beijing’s actions, accusing China of destabilizing regional peace.

The United States condemned China’s aggressive maneuvers, emphasizing its commitment to supporting Taiwan’s security. The ongoing military buildup raises concerns over further escalation in the Taiwan Strait, a key flashpoint in global geopolitics.