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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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Turkey Blocks Instagram Access Over Hamas Chief Post Removal

 

In a significant move, Turkey’s communications authority has blocked access to Instagram, reportedly in response to the platform’s removal of posts related to Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh. The Information and Communication Technologies Authority (ICTA) announced the block on Friday, though no official reason was provided.

According to local media, the block came after Instagram removed posts by Turkish users expressing condolences for Haniyeh, who was recently killed. This action follows criticism from Fahrettin Altun, the presidential communications director, who condemned Instagram for censoring messages of sympathy for Haniyeh.

Turkey, which does not classify Hamas as a terrorist organization, has a history of censoring social media platforms. The country is observing a day of mourning for Haniyeh, with flags flown at half-staff. This incident highlights ongoing tensions between Turkey and social media companies over content regulation and freedom of expression.


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