Overview

• China conducted live-fire military drills 40 nautical miles off Taiwan's southern coast, prompting Taiwan to deploy air, sea, and land forces in response.
• Taiwan's defense ministry criticized the drills as a violation of international norms and a threat to international air and maritime safety.
• Australia faced criticism for its delayed response to surprise Chinese naval exercises in the Tasman Sea, which disrupted 49 commercial flights.
• China's military activities near Taiwan and Australia are part of broader efforts to project power in the Indo-Pacific region, raising tensions with neighboring countries.
• Taiwan has expressed concerns over potential vulnerabilities, such as undersea communication cables, in light of escalating Chinese military provocations.