China Is Getting Ready to Blockade Taiwan, New Reports Say

Recent reports show China is practicing how to cut off Taiwan by sea and air, while more Chinese government ships than ever are patrolling nearby.

China appears to be preparing for a potential blockade of Taiwan. A blockade is when a country uses its military ships and planes to stop anything from getting in or out of an area. Recent news reports from several sources suggest that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA)—which is China's military—is focusing heavily on how to surround the island. Analysts say they are practicing 'joint island-landing' skills. This means they are working on ways to move troops and equipment from the sea onto the island. It is not just talk, either. In July, record numbers of Chinese government ships were see…