China's Taiwan Military Drills: Rising Cross-Strait Tensions

Recent sources indicate China is conducting large-scale military drills surrounding Taiwan, perceived as a direct response to Taiwan's new president and increased U.S. support, including arms sales and diplomatic statements. These exercises involve multiple military branches practicing blockades, precision strikes, and integrated operations, signaling Beijing's capability and willingness to use force if needed to assert its claim over the self-governed island. Taiwan has condemned the drills as provocative and disruptive to regional stability, responding with its own naval deployments and monitoring. International bodies like the EU and G7 have also expressed concern, calling for de-escalation and peaceful dialogue in a situation analysts warn carries significant risks of escalation and potential conflict involving the United States.