Overview
- Chinese military conducted unannounced live-fire drills 40 nautical miles off Taiwan's southern coast, involving 32 aircraft and multiple naval vessels.
- Taiwan's Defense Ministry condemned the drills as a 'blatant provocation' and mobilized air, sea, and land forces to monitor the situation.
- The exercises disrupted international shipping lanes near Taiwan's largest port and raised concerns about regional security and stability.
- China's actions follow recent incidents involving suspected damage to subsea cables near Taiwan, which Taipei attributes to possible 'gray-zone harassment.'
- Beijing continues to assert sovereignty claims over Taiwan, with senior officials emphasizing reunification efforts during recent political meetings.