China military drills Taiwan

China military drills Taiwan

China's military drills around Taiwan are designed to test its ability to "seize power" over the island, the People's Liberation Army said Friday as its forces kicked off a second day of large-scale exercises encircling its democratic neighbor.

The military exercises are seen as a show of force by China amid escalating tensions with Taiwan, which Beijing considers a breakaway province. The drills have raised concerns among Taiwan's government and its allies, including the United States, which has expressed support for Taiwan's self-defense.

China's increased military activities near Taiwan have also drawn criticism from other countries in the region, with Japan and Australia voicing their concerns over the potential for destabilization in the area. The ongoing tensions between China and Taiwan continue to be a major source of geopolitical risk in the Asia-Pacific region.