China flexes military muscle after Taiwan President’s US meeting
China’s fierce response to Tsai Ing-wen’s US talks
China has launched massive military drills around Taiwan following President Tsai Ing-wen’s recent meeting with US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Beijing warned such meetings would trigger a swift and strong reaction — and it delivered.
Two days of war games and aircraft carrier show of force
The Chinese military staged intense exercises simulating targeted strikes and encirclement of Taiwan. Its forces even focused on “sealing” the island off completely. Adding to the threat, one of China’s two aircraft carriers took part in the drills, showcasing Beijing’s naval power.
US steps up with naval patrol, sparking fresh fury
Despite calls for restraint, the US deployed guided-missile destroyer USS Milius through disputed waters in the South China Sea on Monday. China slammed the move, accusing the ship of “illegal intrusion” into its territorial waters. Washington defended the operation as protecting lawful freedom of navigation.
Tensions soar as live-fire drills fuel fears of war
The exercises included live-fire drills off China’s Fujian coast, just 80km from Taiwan’s Matsu islands and 190km from Taipei. Locals voiced alarm at the rising danger. Lin Ke-qiang, a 60-year-old chef on Matsu, said: “We just want to live peaceful, stable lives… but if war happens, their missiles are so advanced, there’s no way we could resist. We’d be leveled to the ground.”
Historic divide and looming flashpoint
Taiwan split from China in 1949 after a civil war. Beijing insists Taiwan is its territory and vows to reclaim it, fuelling a tense power struggle. The US remains deliberately vague on military intervention but arms Taiwan and backs its self-defence politically.
McCarthy’s meeting with Tsai near Los Angeles aimed to balance support for Taiwan while avoiding Beijing’s wrath. But China’s repeated warnings and aggressive military moves suggest a rapid ramping up of regional tensions is now underway.
