PLA Conducts Urban Combat Drill Amid Taiwan Military Funding Debate

China's military has staged a major urban warfare exercise, state media reported. The drill appears linked to Taiwan's recent push to increase its defense spending. State broadcaster CCTV aired footage on Wednesday showing troops seizing a simulated war-damaged city. The exercise involved reconnaissance, clearing buildings, and securing the area. The live-fire drill tested multiple combat strategies, according to the report. It was carried out by a brigade within the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Ground Force. The exercise follows Taiwan's legislative efforts to fund "asymmetric capabilities." This military strategy focuses on cost-effective defenses to counter a larger force, such as mobile missile systems and stealthy naval vessels.