China's Leader Visits Province Near Taiwan After Major Military Drills

China's President Xi Jinping made a rare visit to Fujian province, which faces Taiwan. This visit happened right after China's military held large-scale exercises. The drills involved the navy, air force, missile force, and land troops. They simulated a blockade of Taiwan, an island that China claims as its own territory. China's goal is to take control of Taiwan by force. Xi didn't talk about the military exercises during his visit. But his trip came just after China sent a record 125 aircraft and an aircraft carrier near Taiwan. This was part of the military drills that happened on Monday. Xi hasn't been seen much in public or traveled abroad over the past year. But taking control of Taiwan is still a big priority for him and his government.

Taiwan's new president, Lai Ching-te, has been strongly criticized by Beijing. This is because he doesn't accept that Taiwan is part of China. The military drills happened four days after Taiwan celebrated its National Day. On this day, Lai Ching-te said that China can't represent Taiwan. He also said he would resist any attempts by China to take over Taiwan. Taiwan used to be a Japanese colony. After World War II, it joined China. But in 1949, it split away when the Nationalists, led by Chiang Kai-shek, fled to the island. This happened after they lost a civil war to the Communists, led by Mao Zedong.

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