China’s military exercises near Taiwan continued for a third consecutive day with approximately 70 Chinese aircraft and 11 naval vessels detected near the island on Monday. The US State Department reassured that “sufficient resources and capabilities” were in place to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. The United States has not only urged for restraint but is closely monitoring the situation, while Taiwan has responded by deploying forces to monitor Chinese activities. The military drills were in response to Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen’s meeting with US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, with China aiming to provide “a serious warning against the Taiwan independence separatist forces colluding with external forces.” Beijing likewise staged war games in 2022 following then-US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan. US Senator Lindsey Graham suggests the US sends troops and arms to Taiwan to defend the island from blockade amid escalating tensions.