China Launches Military Drills: China has initiated aggressive military exercises in the Taiwan Strait.
Strategic Location: The Taiwan Strait separates mainland China and Taiwan.
Geopolitical Sensitivity: The strait is a major point of tension between China and Taiwan.
Vital Trade Route: Nearly 40% of global container ships pass through the Taiwan Strait annually, making it critical for international trade.
Historical Flashpoints: The strait has been a site of military and political conflict, including the Taiwan Strait Crises of 1954-55 and 1958. These crises involved artillery bombardments and U.S. intervention.
De Facto Boundary: Since 1949, it has served as a de facto boundary between the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Taiwan.
Depth: The Taiwan Strait has an average depth of about 70 meters (230 feet).
