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Beijing’s Show of Force: China Launches Major Drills Around Taiwan

  A ship fires a weapon during drills east of Taiwan in this screenshot from a video released by the Eastern Theater Command of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) on Dec. 29, 2025. China has initiated large‑scale military exercises around Taiwan, framing the operation as a direct warning to what it calls separatist forces and foreign supporters. The drills, conducted by the Eastern Theatre Command, involve naval vessels, fighter jets, and missile units operating across multiple zones encircling the island. According to Chinese military statements, the exercises are designed to test joint combat readiness and simulate scenarios such as blockades and precision strikes. The move follows heightened tensions over international engagement with Taiwan, including recent arms sales and diplomatic exchanges that Beijing views as challenges to its sovereignty claims. Taiwan’s defense ministry denounced the drills as coercive and destabilizing, placing its military on alert and trac...

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Healthy Kids Recipes: Carrot Cookie Bites


Carrot Cookie Bites


Ingredients

  • 2/3 cup shortening
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 2 cups quick-cooking oats
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans



Directions

  • Preheat oven to 375°. In a large bowl, cream shortening and brown sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Beat in the eggs, buttermilk and vanilla. Combine the flour, cinnamon, salt, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg and cloves; gradually add to creamed mixture. Stir in the oats, carrots and pecans.
  • Drop dough by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 in. apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake until lightly browned, 6-8 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool.

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