Beijing Is Rehearsing a Blockade of Taiwan. America's Answer Is Landing at Chihhang.

More than 100 Chinese navy and coast guard ships are in the western Pacific in what analysts say may be an unannounced drill to cut Taiwan off. Three new American-built F-16Vs touching down this weekend is the right reply — and there should be more.

By Clara Hughes

While Washington spent the week counting midterm ballots, Beijing was counting ships. Taiwan’s National Security Council secretary-general, Joseph Wu, said on Nov. 3 that more than 100 Chinese navy and coast guard vessels were operating in the western Pacific. In a joint report released Friday, the American Enterprise Institute and the Institute for the Study of War said China may be running a major, unannounced military exercise that simulates isolating Taiwan — one larger than its “Justice Mission 2025” drill, the Taipei Times reported. No press release. No exercise name. Just warships, coast guard cutters and aircraft quietly placed between Taiwan and the friends it would count on in a crisis. That is not a routine patrol. It is a dress rehearsal. Keep reading with Altas Premium. Below: where