China Conducts Military Drills around Taiwan Amidst Geopolitical Tensions

**China Conducts Military Drills around Taiwan Amidst Geopolitical Tensions**

China's military conducted joint air and sea patrols around Taiwan as the leaders of the United States, South Korea, and Japan concluded a significant summit at Camp David aimed at strengthening their alliances. The exercises, according to spokesperson Shi Yi of the Eastern Theater Command, are intended to enhance military coordination and test combat capabilities. These drills serve as a warning against "Taiwan independence" separatists and foreign provocations, as China claims Taiwan as its territory and vows to regain control, even through force.

The military maneuvers coincide with a historic trilateral summit where the US, South Korea, and Japan condemned China's aggressive behavior and pledged deeper military and economic cooperation. Taiwan's defense ministry criticized China's actions as irrational and provocative, expressing readiness to defend democracy and sovereignty. China's increased military pressure on Taiwan, including regular warplane and warship incursions, has prompted Taiwan to assert its readiness to respond to such threats.

Amid these tensions, China's defense minister Li Shangfu warned against provoking Taiwan, while the US remains a strong supporter of Taiwan despite lacking formal diplomatic ties. The developments reflect the broader geopolitical competition and security concerns in the Asia-Pacific region.