China encircles Taiwan with hundreds of warships and fighter jets | ABC NEWS

In the sky and at sea, China's forces have Taiwan surrounded.

>> The speed and the frequency that we're seeing of these exercises is quite alarming.

>> These carefully curated Chinese propaganda videos claim to show Beijing's most extensive war games around the independently governed

territory with simulated strikes on land and sea targets, live firing exercises, and blockading Taiwan's main ports.

This is China's warning to the West to back off, not to interfere in its Taiwan ambitions.

>> In response to continual provocation of Taiwan's independence forces and the US large-scale arm sale to Taiwan, we will of course strongly oppose them and take

counter measures. essentially completely

counter measures. essentially completely encircling Taiwan is also to showcase their growing ability to impose a total blockade that would be able to actually

cut off Taiwan.

>> In response, Taiwan has scrambled its own forces, putting them on high alert.

>> As this confrontation continues to escalate, the risk of conflict between the two sides will only continue to grow.

>> Also forcing the cancellation of flights across the country.

We are our own country. We have a president. We have our own constitution

president. We have our own constitution and we have our own legislature. I

believe we are a completely independent nation. These drills have been launched

nation. These drills have been launched just weeks after the United States pledged its largest ever arms deal to Taiwan. And for the first time in

Taiwan. And for the first time in history, China has explicitly stated the drills are aimed at creating a deterrence of outside military

intervention. a not so subtle swipe at

intervention. a not so subtle swipe at the US.

>> Well, I have a great relationship with President Xi and he hasn't told me anything about it. I certainly have seen it, but he hasn't told me anything about it and uh I don't believe he's going to

be doing it.

>> Does it worry you?

>> No, nothing worries me.

>> The US president downplaying the military maneuvers China is using to ratchet up pressure on Taiwan.

Well, let's bring in Allison Horn in Beijing. Allison, it's not the first

Beijing. Allison, it's not the first time China has conducted live fire exercises like this. What is it aiming to achieve this time?

Well, Nikkari, these war games are different from before. You look at the size, the scope, the type of weaponry that's being tested, it all points to a clear demonstration of Beijing's

advanced military planning and capabilities. So although China hasn't

capabilities. So although China hasn't necessarily said that it wants war with Taiwan in 2026, it's clearly showing the

world now that it is ready.

Okay, Allison Horn in Beijing. Thank

you.