China’s Taiwan Drills: A Dress Rehearsal for Invasion?
Following US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s visit to Asia and vow to counter Chinese aggression, the Chinese military launched joint exercises around Taiwan. These drills, involving all branches of the PLA, simulated attacks and blockades, serving as a “stern warning” against Taiwanese independence. Taiwan condemned the exercises as reckless and illegal, deploying its own forces in response. The maneuvers are viewed by some as a signal to the US, coinciding with heightened tensions and recent incidents between the two sides.