China increases military drills near Taiwan in response

China has conducted large air and sea drills near Taiwan, citing recent remarks by U.S. and Taiwanese leaders as the reason. The drills took place between Sunday and Monday, with many Chinese military ships, planes, and drones crossing into areas around Taiwan. Taiwan's Defense Ministry confirmed that 43 out of 59 military units entered its air defense identification zone, although no confrontations occurred. In response, Taiwan monitored the situation closely and deployed its own aircraft and naval ships. The drills are part of China's strategy to weaken Taiwan's defenses and morale. Most of the 23 million people in Taiwan reject China's claims over the island and its threats of force. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said the military actions were necessary to defend China's sovereignty. Mao accused the U.S. of sending wrong signals to Taiwan by modifying its statements on the one-China principle. Recently, Taiwanese President William Lai Ching-te described mainland China as a "foreign hostile force" and warned against Chinese influence in Taiwan. The Taiwan Strait is a vital international waterway for global trade. While China allows civilian shipping to pass, it opposes military activities by foreign navies in the region. Last week, the G7 group of industrialized nations criticized China's military actions, calling them dangerous. China rejected these accusations, claiming they were driven by arrogance and prejudice. To counter the growing Chinese military threat, Taiwan is procuring new missiles and aircraft from the U.S. It is also revamping its own defense industry to enhance its military capabilities.