Near Taiwan

• China's military conducted unannounced exercises Friday involving naval destroyers and fighter jets near Taiwan's east coast, hours after the US approved a $619 million weapons package for the self-governing island, defense officials on both sides confirmed. • The Chinese Foreign Ministry issued formal diplomatic protests, characterizing the US arms sale as a violation of the one-China principle and warning of "serious consequences" for continued military support to Taiwan. • Taiwan's defense ministry said it is prepared to defend against any military aggression and praised the US commitment; regional analysts warned the escalating military posturing raises risks of unintended conflict.

• The Chinese People's Liberation Army launched live-fire drills near Taiwan on April 11, involving naval vessels and fighter jets in what Beijing characterized as routine training exercises. • In response, the United States Navy deployed the USS Ronald Reagan carrier strike group to the Taiwan Strait, with the Department of Defense stating the move was intended to ensure freedom of navigation. • Regional tensions remain high amid concerns over military miscalculation, with Taiwan's defense ministry reporting detection of over 20 Chinese military aircraft in surrounding airspace.