China’s Military Drills Encircling Taiwan Backfired, Taiwanese Intelligence Chief Says

TAIPEI, Taiwan—China’s decision to hold military drills encircling Taiwan has backfired, given the international backlash against such a move, according to Taiwan’s intelligence chief. Tsai Ming-yen, director-general of Taiwan’s National Security Bureau, briefed legislators on the Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee on Oct. 16 about China’s “Joint Sword-2024B” drills that took place two days earlier. “The Chinese communists’ military exercise has created a negative effect in that it made the international community more supportive of Taiwan,” Tsai told reporters before his meeting. During an exchange with a legislator at the meeting, Tsai highlighted the Pentagon’s statement, which he described as “strong-worded” in criticizing the Chinese regime’s military drills....