China's military conducted long-range, live-fire drills in the East China Sea, escalating its exercises around Taiwan as a warning against seeking formal independence. These drills, involving various branches of the military, coincide with heightened rhetoric from China against Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te and have drawn criticism from the United States, which is concerned about regional stability. The situation highlights ongoing tensions, with China asserting its claims over Taiwan while most Taiwanese citizens support maintaining their de-facto independence, prompting international observers to closely monitor the potential for conflict.