China launched live-fire drills around Taiwan on Monday that it said would simulate a blockade of the self-ruled island's key ports, prompting Taipei to condemn Beijing's "military intimidation." The drills "further confirm (China's) nature as an aggressor,

The terrifying drills come as Beijing threatens to “annihilate” its neighbour amid tensions in the region - with 89 Chinese aircraft, 28 ships and a fleet of four amphibious assault ships deployed

An annual assessment of Beijing’s military strength concludes China can increasingly threaten U.S. territory.

Beijing imposed sanctions on Friday against 20 U.S. defense-related companies and 10 executives, a week after Washington annoucned large-scale arms sales to Taiwan. The sanctions entail freezing the companies’ assets in China and banning individuals and organizations from dealing with them,