China fired long-range rockets near Taiwan on Tuesday, escalating military exercises. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) demonstrated its ability to strike and isolate the island. This action follows heightened tensions in the region.
Chinese artillery units launched 27 rockets into waters north and southwest of Taiwan. China had previously declared these areas as live-fire zones. CCTV, China's state broadcaster, reported dozens of rockets struck the sea north of the island. The PLA also deployed destroyers, frigates, and fighter-bombers. These units practiced attacking simulated enemy aircraft, ships, and submarines. Ships and aircraft were warned to avoid the seven live-fire zones. These zones were active until Tuesday evening. Taiwan's Defense Ministry reported 11 Chinese navy ships and eight coast guard vessels approached within 24 miles of Taiwan's coast.
The exercises immediately raised concerns in Taiwan and internationally. Taiwan condemned the drills as an act of intimidation. Other nations are closely monitoring the situation.
China views Taiwan as a breakaway province. It has long asserted its right to unify the island with the mainland, by force if necessary. Taiwan maintains it is an independent, self-governed entity.
Further military exercises are expected. The international community will likely increase diplomatic pressure. The situation remains highly volatile.
Multi-Source Journalism
This article synthesizes reporting from multiple credible news sources to provide comprehensive, balanced coverage.
Deep insights powered by AI
Continue exploring
A recent report suggests Americans harbor negative feelings towards AI, particularly regarding data center construction, energy costs, environmental impact, and job displacement, prompting debate within the Democratic Party on whether to adopt an "anti-AI" stance. This situation highlights the complex societal implications of AI development and the need for political leaders to address public concerns effectively.
A team of forecasters revisited 25 predictions made at the beginning of 2025, assessing their accuracy at year's end. Using probability-based forecasting, they achieved an 80% accuracy rate, highlighting the challenges and potential of predictive models in anticipating future events. This exercise demonstrates the ongoing refinement of AI-driven forecasting and its implications for strategic planning.
The Trump administration's policies have significantly undermined federal data collection across various sectors, including environment, public health, and demographics, driven by ideological resistance and budget cuts. This degradation of data integrity is expected to hinder scientific advancements, obscure economic realities, and erode public trust in governmental institutions, ultimately impacting informed decision-making.
A Vox video recaps the tumultuous events of 2025, highlighting Trump's second term, the Epstein files release, and significant political shifts including Gen Z-led protests. China's DeepSeek AI introduction also marked a turning point, while global unrest grew as the US initiated new military actions.
Warner Bros. Discovery's board is expected to decline Paramount Skydance's revised acquisition bid, signaling a continued commitment to its merger agreement with Netflix, a deal reflecting the evolving landscape of global media consolidation. The decision highlights the intense competition among major media players vying for dominance in the streaming era, as Paramount Skydance persists with a direct appeal to WBD shareholders amidst shifting alliances.
"Avatar: Fire and Ash" topped the U.K. and Ireland box office for a second weekend, earning £6.1 million and outperforming a slew of new holiday releases. "The Housemaid" and "The Spongebob Movie: Search For Squarepants" debuted in second and third place, respectively, amidst a crowded top 10.
The first look of Nayanthara as Ganga in "Toxic - A Fairytale for Grown-Ups" has been revealed, showcasing the actress in a powerful and unconventional role. The image suggests a character embodying calculated authority within a luxurious, high-stakes setting, marking a departure from her previous roles. This reveal heightens anticipation for the film and demonstrates the evolving landscape of character portrayals in Indian cinema.
Canal+ and Warner Bros. Discovery have forged a significant international agreement, reinforcing their collaborative efforts across multiple territories. This deal encompasses the renewal of HBO Max distribution in several Central and Eastern European countries, alongside its expansion into Belgium and Austria, reflecting the growing demand for streaming services in the European market. The agreement also secures the continued distribution of key Warner Bros. Discovery networks in the region, ensuring diverse content offerings for viewers.
A science fiction story features robots built to clear rubble after a cataclysm, highlighting advanced AI design with self-lubricating circulatory systems. One robot, Twobit, working on a marble building, uses historical recordings to reimagine the structure's past importance, raising questions about AI's potential for creative problem-solving and historical preservation in a transformed world.
An article from Nature's archive explores historical perspectives, potentially containing outdated and offensive content by modern standards. It highlights past views on topics related to history, computer science, and engineering, while also referencing current news and views on AI safety, quantum science, and related subjects.
Humans are biological chimeras, hosting cells from relatives like mothers and children, a phenomenon called microchimerism. These microchimeric cells, though rare, reside in various organs and are prompting scientists to explore their impact on health, disease, and our understanding of individual identity.
A recent study reveals that even a single alcoholic drink daily can elevate the risk of mouth cancer, particularly when combined with chewing tobacco, highlighting the amplified dangers of concurrent substance use. The research, focusing on the Indian population, underscores the need for increased awareness regarding the risks associated with even moderate alcohol consumption and its synergistic effects with other carcinogenic substances.
Discussion
Join the conversation
Be the first to comment