China Conducts Major Military Drills Around Taiwan

Taiwan is on high alert following China's recent military drills, dubbed 'Joint Sword-2024B', which encircle the island and are portrayed as a warning to Taiwan's independence supporters. Conducted by the PLA Eastern Theater Command, these exercises involve multiple branches of China's military and focus on sea-air combat readiness and potential blockades of key ports. Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te condemned the drills as 'irrational and provocative' and affirmed the island's commitment to sovereignty. The United States has criticized China's actions as unwarranted and called for restraint amidst rising tensions. China's Foreign Ministry reiterated its stance that Taiwan is not an independent country and described Lai's recent comments as escalating tensions. The situation remains tense as both Taiwan and the U.S. enhance their readiness in response to China's military posturing.