Chinese Army Conducts Military Drills Near Taiwan

The spokesperson for the Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese army, Shi Yi, announced that Chinese forces conducted military drills on Sunday to test combat readiness in the waters and airspace near Taiwan. Shi Yi stated: "The Eastern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army organized joint combat patrols from various branches and formations of the armed forces, along with practical military exercises at sea and in the air around Taiwan on January 8." The purpose of these drills is to test the joint combat capabilities of the forces and to resolutely respond to the provocative actions of external forces and separatist elements advocating for Taiwan's independence. The situation regarding Taiwan has significantly escalated following the visit of U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in early August 2022. China condemned Pelosi's visit, viewing it as U.S. support for Taiwanese separatism, and conducted extensive military maneuvers in response.