China Conducts Large-Scale Military Drills Near Taiwan in Warning Over 'Separatism'

Taiwan condemns China's actions as destabilizing and vows to counter efforts to undermine its self-governance.

China deployed over 50 warplanes and drones near Taiwan, with 42 crossing the Taiwan Strait median line, in what it called 'punishment' for Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te's pro-independence stance.
Taiwan's defense ministry mobilized air and naval forces to monitor the situation and labeled China's actions as a threat to regional peace and stability.
Beijing warned Taiwan against 'provoking and playing with fire,' asserting its territorial claims over the self-governed island.
President Lai Ching-te pledged to resist China's influence campaigns and infiltration efforts aimed at 'absorbing' Taiwan into the mainland.
Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council described China as a 'troublemaker' and urged international allies to oppose Beijing's military expansion.