Overview

• Taiwan detected 53 Chinese military aircraft, 19 naval vessels, and 8 coast guard ships near its territory within a 24-hour period, marking one of the highest activity levels in years.
• China has mobilized approximately 90 ships, including 60 warships, across a wide area from southern Japan to the South China Sea, simulating blockades and attacks on foreign vessels.
• Taipei has accused Beijing of using military intimidation to disrupt regional stability and potentially send a message to the incoming Trump administration in the U.S.
• The drills follow Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te's recent Pacific tour with U.S. stopovers, which Beijing criticized as a provocation by 'separatist forces' in Taiwan.
• The U.S. has reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring the situation and supporting Taiwan's self-defense capabilities while urging China to avoid escalatory actions.