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Two formations of missile-carrying bombers and fighters surged into Taiwan's airspace at the weekend. Their "target", the USS Theodore Roosevelt and her escort, were captured by satellite as they faced off against the dummy attack run.
Just days after President Joe Biden took up office in the White House, Beijing is ramping up the pressure.
On Friday, it announced its coast guard and warships were authorised to "open fire" on "intruders" within the East and South China Seas.
On Saturday, it sent a "strike package" of powerful bombers within launch range of an approaching US carrier battle group.
On Sunday, a flight of strike fighters followed up with another "dress rehearsal" assault.