Part 9/13:
The timing is notable: these military exercises follow Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen’s recent visits to the U.S., including stops in Hawaii and Guam. Beijing views Tsai as a secessionist, and her meetings with American officials have enraged Beijing, prompting a robust military response. China perceives Taiwan as a breakaway province, underlining its long-standing commitment to reunification, including through force if necessary.