China’s military said it carried out joint drills near Taiwan on Friday, a move that followed the United States’ approval of a $2 billion arms package for the island. The announcements came as tensions across the Taiwan Strait remained elevated.

The exercises underscore the fragile security balance in the region, where Beijing has repeatedly increased military pressure on Taiwan while Washington continues to support the island’s defense capabilities. The latest arms deal is likely to draw further criticism from Chinese officials, who oppose foreign weapons sales to Taiwan.

Taiwan has faced regular military activity from China, including patrols, drills, and other shows of force aimed at signaling opposition to what Beijing calls separatism. For Taipei, the U.S. package is part of a broader effort to strengthen deterrence amid growing concern over the risk of miscalculation.

The Reuters report did not indicate any immediate escalation beyond the announced drills, but the timing highlights how quickly defense ties and military signaling can intensify tensions in one of Asia’s most sensitive flashpoints.