China launches major military drills around Taiwan

China on Monday launched what is being considered its most extensive military exercise around Taiwan, the latest in a standoff in which the island wants its independence from Beijing.

The exercise – or "war game" – was also to showcase Beijing’s ability to cut off the island from outside support in a conflict, testing Taipei’s resolve to defend itself and its arsenal of U.S.-made weapons, according to CNBC. 

As Taiwan tries to become more democratic, the People's Republic of China maintains the "One China" principle, asserting that Taiwan is an inalienable province. China has not ruled out using force to achieve "reunification" and authorized military action with a 2005 law if Taiwan formally declares independence.

The live-firing exercises will continue on Tuesday. The exercises also mark China’s sixth major round of war games since 2022, the news outlet also reports.