Taiwan Tensions Rise

China is escalating military pressure on Taiwan, conducting a second day of large-scale drills aimed at demonstrating its ability to blockade the island. The People’s Liberation Army deployed warships, fighter jets, bombers, and missiles to the waters north and south of Taiwan, while carrying out live-fire exercises and coordinated sea-air operations. Beijing says the drills are intended to deter any outside military support for the self-ruled island, which China claims as its own. At the same time, China’s foreign minister criticized a record U.S. arms sale to Taiwan, calling it a provocation. Beijing also warned Taiwan’s pro-independence leaders and Japan, signaling it will strongly counter what it sees as challenges to its sovereignty claims.