The world’s largest maritime law enforcement agency played an unprecedented role in Chinese military drills around Taiwan, simulating a blockade of the island.

China has made it clear that it won't hesitate to use military force if Taiwan pushes for independence, signaling an escalation in tensions.

Beijing’s massive military drills around Taiwan on Monday revealed significantly improved coordination between its navy and coastguard, according to observers, who say this could be key to mainland China’s blockade strategy for the island.

A motorcade through the capital revived “panda diplomacy” between Washington and Beijing for the first time in nearly a year.

Bao Li and Qing Bao, two three-year-old giant pandas, arrived from China on Tuesday to Washington, D.C. aboard the Panda Express by FedEx to the Smithsonian National Zoo. Credit: WTTG

A pair of giant pandas arrived in Washington from China on Tuesday to move into their new home at the U.S. National Zoo, which has been without the black-and-white bears, one of its most popular attractions,