China Ramps Up Military Drills Around Taiwan Amid Tensions with US

Beijing has expanded its military activity around Taiwan with the largest maritime drills in years, prompting criticism from Taipei that the actions constitute a "red line" for the next US president.

According to Taiwan’s national security officials, about 60 warships and 30 coast guard vessels have been deployed by China from near Japan's southern islands to the South China Sea, drawing international attention amid existing military drills off Taiwan.

"China uses President Lai’s overseas visit as a pretext, with Taiwan only serving as an excuse," said a top Taiwanese official. “The real objective appears to be asserting control within the first island chain and establishing strategic deterrence ahead of the US presidential transition."

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that Washington was monitoring China's latest activities, ensuring no one could disrupt the status quo in the strait.

China has also increased military aircraft activity closer to Taiwan with 100 sorties detected over the past two days. Military analysts say Beijing seeks strategic deterrence ahead of the US presidential transition.

Analysts say Beijing may be looking to exploit tensions between Taiwan and China by drawing a red line for the next US president with these massive military exercises."