China Conducts Military Drills in Response to Taiwan President's Remarks

China launched military drills near Taiwan on Monday, calling it "punishment" for President William Lai's speech vowing to resist any attempts to annex Taiwan. According to Chinese state media, the drills involved all military branches and simulated attacks on Taiwan by land, sea, and air. Taiwan reported 34 naval vessels and 125 aircraft circling the island. Despite tensions, Taiwan's airports and ports remained operational. China has increasingly conducted military exercises around Taiwan, heightening tensions with the island and its allies like the U.S.