China Intensifies Military Drills Around Taiwan Amid Rising Tensions
China's recent military drills around Taiwan, which simulate a full-scale attack, are a response to the inauguration of Taiwan's new president, William Lai, whom Beijing views as a separatist. These exercises, the largest yet, aim to encircle Taiwan and demonstrate China's military capabilities. Despite the aggressive posturing, Beijing has not crossed the contiguous zone, indicating a level of caution. The drills have united Taiwan's political factions against China, and rather than intimidating the Taiwanese, they have bolstered support for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party.