China declares army drills close to Taiwan

China's People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has initiated a military drill near Taiwan, aimed at deterring "separatism," according to the Chinese Defense Ministry. The exercise, which involves the army, navy, air force, and rocket forces, focuses on joint sea-air combat patrols, coordinated operations to establish dominance, attacks on maritime and ground targets, and blockading key areas and sea lanes.Taiwan’s military responded to the exercise with its own naval deployments, as Chinese forces sent ten military ships toward the island. The American Institute in Taiwan condemned the maneuver, accusing China of jeopardizing the region's security and stability.Beijing framed the exercise as a warning to "separatist forces" advocating for Taiwan’s independence, despite the island's de facto independent government, which was established by forces defeated during the Chinese Civil War. A PLA cartoon video also mocked Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, portraying her as a "parasite" leading Taiwan toward destruction.Taiwan continues to maintain a strong relationship with the United States, which provides military support to Taiwan, including advanced fighter jets. Beijing views such US support as provocative and a catalyst for Taiwanese separatism, though it continues to call for peaceful reunification, without ruling out the use of force should Taiwan declare independence.