China flexes military might: Simulated Taiwan blockade aims to deter US intervention

China conducted its largest military drills in 30 years from December 6-12, 2024, aiming to blockade Taiwan and deter US intervention. The exercises involved 18 warships east of the first island chain and over 60 PLA-Navy vessels, 30 China Coast guard ships, and 134 aircraft. Using anti-access/area denial (A2AD) tactics, China practiced restricting US forces, intercepting commercial vessels, and asserting dominance over the region.