China staged large-scale military drills Tuesday off the coasts of Taiwan, surrounding the island with land, air and sea forces in what the Chinese Foreign Ministry called a “stern warning” against Taiwanese independence. As it launched the war games, China’s Eastern Theater Command called Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te a “parasite” and released a video depicting him as an insect held by chopsticks over a burning Taiwan. Earlier today, China’s Foreign Ministry called Taiwan’s eventual reunification with China “an unstoppable historical trend.”

Guo Jiakun: “The Democratic Progressive Party authorities stubbornly adhere to a separatist stance on Taiwan independence and attempt to seek independence by relying on external forces. Such efforts are doomed to failure, as they are like a mantis trying to stop a chariot. China’s reunification is an unstoppable historical trend. It will happen, and it must happen.”

China’s military drills come after U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth wrapped up his first official visit to Asia Sunday with reassurances to Japan that President Trump is seeking to boost military cooperation with its allies in the region to counter China’s power.