China’s military expenditure on exercises in the Taiwan Strait and the surrounding regions surged to approximately $21 billion last year, marking a 40% increase from 2023, according to Taiwanese estimates. This spending reflects China’s intensified military activities, including nearly 12,000 flights and over 86,000 naval sailings. Taiwan’s defense ministry contends that such aggressive maneuvers undermine regional peace and stability, highlighting concerns over China’s military expansion and its implications for the Indo-Pacific. This situation necessitates strengthened defense strategies among regional allies, including India, to ensure a balanced geopolitical landscape amid rising Chinese assertiveness.