China Conducts Largest-Ever Naval Drills Around Taiwan in Escalating Maritime Tensions

China has deployed a large-scale maritime force, comprising approximately 60 warships and 30 coast guard vessels, in the Taiwan Strait, according to Taiwan's Defense Ministry. This deployment is reportedly the largest of its kind in decades and has been accompanied by an increase in Chinese military aircraft activity in the region. In the past 24 hours, Taiwan has detected 47 Chinese military aircraft and 12 warships around the island, with a total of 53 Chinese military aircraft and 11 navy ships tracked by the Defense Ministry. The deployment is seen as a response to Taiwan's decision to participate in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and has been condemned by the Taiwanese government as "provocative acts".