China kicks off military drills near Taiwan, warns island's 'independence' means war

Anniek Bao - CNBC - 01/04
The military action came after U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth vowed to strengthen military ties with Japan to counter China's aggression in the region.
Taiwanese Coast Guard personnel work on a vessel off the coast of Nangan Township, in the Matsu Islands on Oct. 15, 2024, a day after China conducted the "Joint Sword-2024B" military drills around Taiwan.
Daniel Ceng | AFP | Getty Images

China's military said Tuesday its army, navy and rocket forces launched a joint exercise off the coast of Taiwan in what it described as a "stern warning" to "separatist forces"...
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