China launches military drills around Taiwan in aggressive show of force after Pete Hegseth’s Asia trip

[noumoe]

China staged military drills off Taiwan’s north, south and east coasts on Tuesday as a “stern warning” against separatism and called Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te a “parasite,” as Taiwan sent warships to respond to China’s navy approaching its shores.

The exercises, which China has not formally named unlike war games last year, are happening after a rise in Chinese rhetoric against Lai and follow on the heels of US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth’s Asia visit, during which he repeatedly criticized Beijing.

China’s military deployed ships, aircraft and artillery to practice blockading the island, strikes on ground and maritime targets, and air interception to “test forces’ coordination in combat,” Beijing’s Eastern Theatre Command said in a statement.

https://nypost.com/2025/04/01/world-new ... -parasite/