The drills came after Taiwan’s president, Lai Ching-te, announced measures to counter China’s influence and espionage. Beijing also wants to send a message to Washington, analysts said.

Taiwan can no longer shelter under the delusion that the U.S. will defend it against China.

Lai Ching-te, the president of Taiwan, may be betting that China’s appetite for retaliation will be limited by Beijing’s interest in containing tensions with the Trump administration.

The Taiwanese chip giant TSMC’s plan to invest $100 billion in the United States has been met with anxiety and criticism in its home country.

As President Trump turns toward Russia, Taiwan grapples with its reliance on U.S. support in the face of conflict with China.