Shandong

Shandong Province is a coastal region in eastern China with significant economic and military importance. Recent news highlights include the use of a new dry dock near the South China Sea, which may help Beijing avoid an aircraft carrier 'gap' and expand its military presence. Additionally, a factory explosion in northern Shandong killed two people and injured 84 others, while Chinese officials have accused Taiwanese smugglers of damaging subsea cables in February. These events demonstrate Shandong's strategic location and ongoing tensions between China and Taiwan. The province's proximity to the South China Sea also makes it a key player in regional maritime security.