Taiwan on High Alert as China Conducts Major Military Drills

China has initiated large-scale military drills around Taiwan to test its ability to "seize power" over the island, following the inauguration of Taiwan's new president, Lai Ching-te, who advocates for Taiwan's sovereignty. The exercises, involving various branches of China's military and Coast Guard, are seen as a response to what Beijing calls "separatist acts" and are intended to demonstrate China's capability to blockade and potentially invade Taiwan. Taiwan's government has condemned the drills as provocations, while the U.S. continues to support Taiwan's defense.