Taiwan is urging democracies around the world to condemn China's provocative behaviour after Beijing conducted military drills near the island. This move came on the back of heels of US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's vow to counter China's aggression during his Asian tour. 

On Tuesday, China's military announced joint exercises involving its ground forces, navy, air force, and rocket force around Taiwan. These drills were described as a "stern warning" by the Chinese military.

According to Radio Free Asia (RFA), the Eastern Theatre Command, which oversees military operations in the region, reported that People's Liberation Army (PLA) forces were advancing toward Taiwan from "multiple directions." The exercises concentrate on "combat readiness patrols in both maritime and aerial domains, gaining comprehensive control, targeting naval and land sites, and instituting blockades on important areas and routes," as per RFA's report.

Taiwan's defence ministry reported that as of Tuesday morning at 6 a.m., 19 Chinese PLA ships, including the aircraft carrier Shandong, were detected surrounding Taiwan. Taiwan's military deployed aircraft, ships, and coastal missile defence systems in response, as per the RFA. The military issued a statement, pledging to remain vigilant while avoiding escalation or provocation and effectively countering Chinese grey-zone threats.

Taiwanese Defense Minister Wellington Koo Li-Hsiung stated that the actions of the PLA threaten regional peace and stability, labelling China as a "major troublemaker," according to an RFA report. These military exercises come after U.S. Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth's remarks about strengthening America's military ties with the Philippines to counter "China's aggression" in the Indo-Pacific. Hegseth also called Japan a "key partner in deterring the military aggression of communist China," especially in the Taiwan Strait. Beijing maintains its claim that Taiwan is part of its territory and is strengthening its military capabilities to seize the island by force potentially. Although experts believe China is not yet fully ready for an invasion, it is making significant progress. In the meantime, China is using military drills and coercive tactics to pressure Taiwan into surrendering, as reported by RFA.