China encircles Taiwan with warships, jets; Taiwan prepares for 'total war'

• China's PLA began encircling Taiwan with warships and fighter jets, including J-20 stealth fighters and nuclear-capable bombers, breaching Taiwan's ADIZ over 130 times in 24 hours.
• China blockaded Taiwan's major ports, Keelung and Kaohsiung, with Coast Guard vessels, calling it its largest military exercise to date, with live-fire drills expected.
• Taiwan responded by scrambling Mirage 2000 jets from Hsinchu Air Base, activating missile systems, and warning of 'total war' if China crosses its 12-nautical-mile boundary.
• Taiwan conducted civil defense exercises, including air raid drills, amidst fears of a 'surprise attack' from China.
• China's aggression stems from Taiwan's $11.1 billion defense deal with the US; US intelligence suggests China aims to capture Taiwan by 2027, a claim Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te rejects.

Why It Matters: China escalates military pressure on Taiwan, prompting defense readiness and fears of imminent conflict.