Taipei—Taiwan’s defense ministry reported a surge in Chinese military activity on Thursday as Beijing concluded its two-day war drills overnight. The ministry detected 59 Chinese warplanes and 23 naval ships operating near the island, marking an increase in naval presence compared to the previous day.

China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory despite opposition from Taipei, announced that its *Strait Thunder-2025A* exercises had ended. The drills, which included live-fire exercises in the north, were described by Beijing as a response to what it calls provocations from Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te, whom it views as a "separatist" following his election victory last year. According to Taiwan’s defense ministry, 18 of the Chinese warplanes crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, an unofficial boundary that China no longer recognizes. The latest military activity follows previous large-scale war games conducted by China around Taiwan last year.

Taiwan’s government strongly condemned the drills, accusing China of being a "troublemaker" and attempting to escalate tensions in the region. The military exercises also drew international concern, with the United States, Japan, the European Union, and Britain expressing their unease over China’s growing military presence near Taiwan.

China has intensified its military pressure on Taiwan in recent years, regularly sending warplanes and naval vessels around the island as part of its efforts to assert control. Taiwan, which maintains its self-governance, has repeatedly vowed to defend itself against any aggression and has called for international support to counter Beijing’s threats.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Eastern Theatre Command via Reuters.