Taiwan's defense ministry has reported that while China currently lacks the equipment for a full invasion of Taiwan, it is enhancing its military capabilities and exploring alternative tactics to exert pressure on the island. China's recent military drills, including coast guard operations aimed at blockades and communication cut-offs, underscore the ongoing tensions. The ministry's annual threat assessment highlights China's advancements in weaponry, such as the H-20 bomber and hypersonic missiles, and its evolving military strategies. Taiwan firmly rejects China's claims of sovereignty, emphasizing that it and China are not subordinate to one another, and condemning China's military ambitions as a risk to regional stability. Observers note that the geopolitical rivalry between China and the U.S. also influences smaller island nations, which are navigating their own strategic interests amid these tensions. Ultimately, while China may seek to leverage the situation for political gain, an outright invasion could jeopardize its economic stability and the legitimacy of the Chinese Communist Party.