Summary

China launched large-scale military drills around Taiwan on Tuesday, deploying air, sea, and rocket forces in what it called a “severe warning” against Taiwanese independence.

The exercises included 19 navy vessels and the Shandong aircraft carrier entering Taiwan’s defense zone.

Taiwan responded by deploying warships and missile systems. Beijing labeled Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te a “parasite” and accused him of separatism.

Taiwan condemned the drills as provocative and escalatory. The drills mark the latest move in China’s continued military pressure amid rising cross-strait tensions.