Summary

China launched large-scale military drills around Taiwan involving its army, navy, air force, and rocket force in a “stern warning” following U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s Asia visit, where he pledged to counter Chinese aggression.

The drills encircle Taiwan from multiple directions and simulate blockades and assaults.

Taiwan condemned the exercises as “reckless” and “irresponsible,” and has placed its military on alert.

Taiwan, a democracy of 23 million people, faces threats from China, which claims the island and vows to seize it by force. Experts say such exercises are routine as China asserts control and tests U.S. resolve in the region.