China has stepped up land, sea and air military drills in the strait in recent years, including by carrying out shooting drills. During U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to Beijing earlier this month, Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed U.S. commitments to Taiwan. The U.S., Taiwan’s chief ally, approved US$11 billion in arm sales to Taiwan last year, while another package worth at least US$14 billion has reportedly stalled, media reports last week said.






