China is intensifying military activities around Taiwan and refining its ability to launch a surprise attack while simultaneously using “hybrid” online warfare to undermine public confidence in the government, Taiwan’s defense ministry said on Thursday.

The democratically governed island—claimed by Beijing as part of its territory—has faced mounting military pressure from China over the past five years, including at least seven major rounds of exercises around the island since 2022.

In its biennial defense report, the ministry said Beijing is deploying artificial intelligence tools to probe weaknesses in Taiwan’s cybersecurity and critical infrastructure. It also accused China of waging “hybrid warfare” to erode public trust in the government and weaken support for defense spending.

The report noted a rise in so-called “gray zone” coercion tactics—non-combat operations such as coast guard patrols designed to wear down Taiwan’s defenses and increase pressure on the island.

“Through both conventional and unconventional military actions, its goal is to test its capabilities to strike Taiwan and confront foreign forces,” the ministry said.

The report warned that China could abruptly turn routine exercises into actual combat operations to catch Taiwan and its international partners off guard, posing a grave threat to regional peace and security.

In recent years, China has increasingly relied on civilian roll-on/roll-off vessels for military transport operations and continues to develop specialized equipment for amphibious landings, the report added.

China’s defense ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Beijing has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control.

According to the report, China operates a “professional cyber army” that manipulates social media accounts and spreads disinformation to sow division within Taiwanese society and erode confidence in the government.

It also said that Chinese state media and domestic collaborators have worked to weaken public morale and the will to resist.

Beijing is further using deepfake technology to produce fabricated videos and deploying AI-driven “polarizing political rhetoric,” the report said.

China views Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te as a “separatist.” Lai has rejected Beijing’s sovereignty claims, asserting that only the island’s people have the right to determine their future.

Taiwan has launched a defense modernization program and pledged to raise military spending to 5% of GDP by 2030.

The report was released one day before President Lai’s National Day address. China had conducted military drills following last year’s speech, calling them a warning against what it described as “separatist activities.”

China’s most recent formal military exercise around Taiwan took place in April, though its warplanes and naval vessels continue to operate near the island almost daily.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that Israel and Hamas have reached a long-awaited agreement on a ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza—part of his plan to end the two-year-long conflict in the Palestinian territory.

Here’s how global leaders responded to the development:

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UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer

“I welcome the news that an agreement has been reached on the first phase of President Trump’s Gaza peace plan,” Starmer said in a statement.

“This is a moment of profound relief felt around the world—especially for the hostages, their families, and the civilians in Gaza who have endured unimaginable suffering over the past two years.

“The agreement must now be fully implemented without delay, and all restrictions on life-saving humanitarian aid to Gaza should be lifted immediately.

“We urge all parties to honor their commitments, end the war, and lay the foundation for a just and lasting resolution and a durable path to peace.”

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Global Affairs Canada

“Canada welcomes the agreement between Israel and Hamas to implement the first phase of President Trump’s peace plan, supported by Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey,” Global Affairs Canada—the department that manages the country’s diplomatic and consular relations—said on X.

“After two long years, hostages will finally be reunited with their families, and Israeli troops will withdraw behind agreed lines. Immediate and unhindered humanitarian assistance must reach those in need in Gaza.

“Canada will support all efforts to turn this positive step into lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians alike.”

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U.S. President Donald Trump

“I am very proud to announce that both Israel and Hamas have signed onto the first phase of our peace plan,” Trump said on Truth Social.

“This means that all hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw its troops to a defined boundary—a first step toward strong, lasting, and permanent peace.

“All parties will be treated fairly! This is a great day for the Arab and Muslim world, for Israel, for all neighboring nations, and for the United States. We thank the mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey who worked with us to make this historic and unprecedented event possible. Blessed are the peacemakers!”

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

“A great day for Israel,” Netanyahu said in a statement.
“Tomorrow, I will call on the government to approve this agreement and bring all our beloved hostages home. I thank our brave IDF soldiers and all the security forces—through their courage and sacrifice, we have reached this moment.

“I also extend my heartfelt thanks to President Trump and his team for their dedication to this sacred mission of freeing our hostages.
“With God’s help, we will continue to achieve all our goals and expand peace with our neighbors.”

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Hamas (Islamic Resistance Movement)

“We deeply appreciate the efforts of our brothers and mediators in Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, and we also value the efforts of U.S. President Donald Trump aimed at ending the war completely and ensuring full withdrawal from the Gaza Strip,” Hamas said in a statement.

“We call on President Trump, the guarantor states, and all Arab, Islamic, and international parties to compel the occupying government to fully implement its obligations under the agreement and prevent any attempt to evade or delay its commitments.

“We salute our great people in Gaza, Jerusalem, the West Bank, and across the homeland and diaspora for their unmatched resilience, courage, and heroism in resisting fascist occupation schemes targeting them and their national rights. Their steadfastness has thwarted Israel’s plans of domination and displacement.

“We reaffirm that our people’s sacrifices will not be in vain, and we remain steadfast in our pledge—not to relinquish our national rights until freedom, independence, and self-determination are achieved.”

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UN Secretary-General António Guterres

“I welcome the announcement of an agreement to secure a ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza, based on the proposal presented by President Donald J. Trump,” Guterres said in a statement.

“I commend the diplomatic efforts of the United States, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey in mediating this much-needed breakthrough.

“I urge all parties to fully comply with the terms of the agreement. All hostages must be released with dignity. A lasting ceasefire must be ensured. The fighting must stop—forever. Humanitarian and essential commercial supplies must flow into Gaza without delay or obstruction. The suffering must end.

“The United Nations will support full implementation of the agreement, scale up principled humanitarian relief, and advance reconstruction and recovery efforts in Gaza.

“I call on all stakeholders to seize this critical opportunity to end the occupation, recognize the Palestinian right to self-determination, and establish a credible political path toward a two-state solution where Israelis and Palestinians can live in peace and security.

“The stakes have never been higher.”

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New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters

“Hamas must release all hostages, and Israel must withdraw its troops to the agreed lines,” Peters said in a statement.
“This is a vital first step toward achieving lasting peace. We urge both Israel and Hamas to continue working toward a comprehensive resolution.”

The week-long International Kullu Dussehra Festival concluded on Wednesday with a vibrant and emotional ceremony held at Atal Sadan. Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, who presided as the chief guest, announced a 10 percent increase in the honorarium of traditional baja-bajantari folk performers who contribute to the festival each year.

Agnihotri said the state government would invest ₹200 crore to upgrade drinking water infrastructure in Kullu district, ensuring residents have access to clean and uninterrupted water supply. He added that ₹158 crore has already been allocated for disaster mitigation initiatives.

Highlighting the success of flood prevention measures along the Beas River, Agnihotri noted that these projects have significantly reduced damage during natural calamities. He detailed several completed works, including projects worth ₹8.73 crore at Raison, ₹8.65 crore along the right bank of the Beas in Manali, ₹8.34 crore near the old-age home, ₹3 crore at the Kullu Rafting Centre, and ₹4.35 crore near the cowshed at Lanka Bekar. The remaining ₹58 crore earmarked for flood protection, he assured, would be used for similar projects across the district.

Congratulating Kullu MLA and Festival Committee Chairman Sunder Singh Thakur, Deputy Commissioner Torul S. Ravish, and their team for the successful organization of the grand event, Agnihotri said, “Kullu Dussehra stands as a living testimony to Himachal Pradesh’s divine culture, faith, unity, and folk heritage. It not only reflects our traditions but also enhances the state’s identity on the global stage.”

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to preserving dev (deity) culture while promoting tourism and employment opportunities for local communities. Commending the festival’s dedication to disaster-affected families, Agnihotri said, “The decision to celebrate Dussehra with simplicity and compassion for those impacted by recent calamities is truly commendable.”

The Deputy Chief Minister also lauded the contribution of local artists and the rich cultural diversity showcased throughout the event. Later, he visited the exhibitions at Dhalpur Ground, where various departments displayed their development initiatives.

Earlier, Kullu MLA Sunder Singh Thakur stated that this year’s Dussehra was dedicated to supporting families affected by natural disasters, with proceeds from the festival to be used for relief work. Meanwhile, representatives from the Bhuttico Weavers’ Society presented a cheque of ₹3 lakh to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.