Taiwan holds anti-blockade naval drill during war games as China steps up maritime pressure

Taiwan's armed forces carried out an anti-blockade drill during annual war games, using the navy and coast guard to simulate escorting a merchant ship, the Defense Ministry ‌said Thursday, as China steps up its maritime pressure. Taiwan, which China views as its own territory, has long been concerned that Beijing could try to choke off the island with a blockade or quarantine to force ⁠it into surrender. In June, China began holding what it calls "law enforcement" patrols off Taiwan's east coast