China flexes military might: 76 warplanes, 15 warships encircle Taiwan in ‘Strait Thunder’ drills

China’s military conducted drills around Taiwan, code-named Strait Thunder-2025A, focusing on blockading the island and precision strikes. The exercises follow increased rhetoric against Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te and criticisms from U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during his Asia visit. China views Taiwan as its territory and denounces Lai as a separatist, while Lai asserts Taiwan’s sovereignty and the people’s right to determine their future.

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