China’s Naval Deployments In Line With Other Large Drills: US

China’s naval deployments in the East and South China Seas are elevated but consistent with past large exercises, a US official said, countering Taiwan’s claim of the largest in decades. The activity, reflecting the PLA’s growing military posture, isn’t linked to Taiwan President Lai Ching-te’s Pacific tour. These maneuvers, yet unconfirmed by China, are destabilizing and risk further escalation.