In response to Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te's recent diplomatic trip to Pacific allies, including Hawaii and Guam, China has stepped up military activities near Taiwan, deploying numerous naval and air forces. Taiwan has raised its alert level and initiated combat readiness exercises. Reports indicate that Chinese forces, totaling nearly 90 vessels, have intensified their presence in the region, traversing near the sensitive median line of the Taiwan Strait. China maintains that Taiwan is part of its territory, a stance that is fueling ongoing tensions in the area amid increasing international engagement with the self-governing island.