China Conducts Military Drills in Response to Taiwan-US Relations

China conducted military drills around Taiwan as a "serious warning" in response to Taiwan Vice President William Lai's visit to the United States. The drills, involving naval and air forces, were seen as a show of force against separatist forces and were condemned by Taiwan. China considers Taiwan its own territory, despite objections from the island's government. Taiwan's defense ministry detected 42 Chinese aircraft and eight ships involved in the drills and deployed its own forces in response. The United States, South Korea, and Japan reaffirmed the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.