China Conducts Largest Military Drills Near Taiwan in Decades

Taiwan reports unprecedented Chinese naval and aerial activity, raising regional tensions and prompting international concern.

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.