**China’s Military Exercises Raise Tensions**
**February 2022**
China has begun large-scale military exercises around Taiwan, raising tensions with the United States and other countries in the region. The drills, which involve live-fire exercises and missile launches, are seen as a show of force by Beijing amidst ongoing tensions over Taiwan’s status. The exercises have sparked concerns about the potential for conflict between China and Taiwan, as well as broader implications for regional stability.
**What to Know**
* **The exercises are the largest of their kind in decades.** They involve dozens of ships and aircraft, as well as ground troops. The drills are taking place in six zones around Taiwan, effectively blockading the island..
* **The exercises are a show of force by Beijing.** China claims Taiwan as its own territory and has repeatedly threatened to use force to prevent the island from declaring independence. The exercises are seen as a warning to Taiwan and its allies not to challenge China’s claims..
* **The exercises have raised tensions with the United States.** The United States has condemned the exercises as .
