China, Taiwan tension flares up: Here is what we know

China has entered into day three of live-fire drills near Taiwan. Chinese fighter jets rehearsed the encirclement of Taiwan by practising“simulated strikes” near the island. Taiwan’s government has condemned the exercises, while the US has urged China to show restraint.

A PLA Navy tugboat sails in the Taiwan Strait, past tourists on Pingtan island, the closest point to Taiwan, in China's southeast Fujian province on April 7, 2023. (Photo | AFP)