China Encirclement Drill Near Taiwan: Island Deploys Forces, Condemns "Intimidation"

• China launched a major military encirclement drill, "Joint Mission 2025," around Taiwan involving army, navy, and rocket units.
• Beijing stated the drills test combat readiness and warn against Taiwanese independence, focusing on blockade and control of key areas.
• Taiwan condemned the drills as "military intimidation" and a challenge to international order, deploying "appropriate forces" in response.
• The drills cover five blocks of ocean around Taiwan, including the Taiwan Strait, with 10-hour sea and air space restrictions.
• This escalation follows increased Chinese activity since Nancy Pelosi's 2022 visit and recent remarks by Japan's PM Sanae Takaichi.

Why It Matters: China's military drills escalate Taiwan tensions; island deploys forces, condemns intimidation.