The drills gave a clue to China's ability to blockade the island as a prelude or alternative to invasion. However, China is unlikely to display its best tactics while it knows it's being watched.
HONG KONG/WASHINGTON While China’s expanded drills surrounding Taiwan have marked an unprecedented military and political warning against outside interference over the island, they opened a window to gather intelligence for the United States and its allies.
On August 5, the second day of China's live-fire exercises that were initiated around Taiwan, seven U.S. reconnaissance planes, including a U-2, and six tankers were spotted operating close to Taiwan.