China holds major war games around Taiwan as U.S. boosts ties with Japan to deter “Chinese military aggression”

Taipei, Taiwan — The Chinese military announced large-scale drills in the waters and airspace around Taiwan on Tuesday that include an aircraft carrier battle group, as it again warned the self-ruled island democracy against seeking formal independence. The joint exercises involve navy, air ground and rocket forces and are meant to be a "severe warning and forceful containment against Taiwan independence," according to Shi Yi, a spokesperson for the People's Liberation Army's Eastern Theater Command. No operational name for the drills was announced or previous notice given.