An unusually large Chinese military presence was detected near Taiwan between Sunday and Monday, according to Taiwan's Defense Ministry. The ministry reported that 59 Chinese military ships, planes, and drones were active in the area, with 43 of them entering Taiwan's air defense identification zone.

Taiwan responded by deploying aircraft, navy ships, and coastal anti-ship missile defenses. No confrontations were reported during the exercises. The Taiwanese authorities monitored the situation closely while taking defensive precautions.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated the drills were "a resolute response to foreign connivance and support to Taiwan independence, and a serious warning to Taiwan separatist forces." Mao added that these actions were necessary measures to defend China's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The Chinese spokesperson specifically mentioned recent US actions as a trigger for the military exercises. Mao cited the US State Department's removal of language reflecting the one-China principle from its website, suggesting this sent wrong signals to Taiwan.

Taiwanese President William Lai Ching-te also raised concerns in Beijing last week. Lai stated that Taiwan law designates mainland China as a "foreign hostile force" and warned about Chinese attempts at subversion through media and civic exchanges.

The Taiwan Strait, where these exercises took place, serves as:

• An international waterway
• One of the most important channels for global trade

China's actions follow criticism from G7 nations. The Group of 7 industrialized democracies had accused Beijing of "illicit, provocative, coercive and dangerous actions" that risk regional stability. China dismissed the G7 statement as being "filled with arrogance, prejudice and malicious intentions."

Facing growing military pressure, Taiwan has ordered new defensive equipment from the United States while also developing its own defense industry. The island republic of 23 million people largely rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims and the threat of forced unification.

The military activities around Taiwan occur amid China's strengthening alliances with other nations opposing Western influence. Just days before the Taiwan drills, Chinese officials hosted a meeting in Beijing with counterparts from Russia and Iran, where they jointly opposed sanctions and military threats against Tehran's nuclear program. This diplomatic coordination mirrors the military cooperation demonstrated through recent joint naval exercises in the Gulf of Oman.