China's military activities around Taiwan are increasingly blurring the line between drills and actual conflict, redefining the long-standing policy of 'strategic ambiguity.' This shift, exemplified by large-scale PLA operations, moves from signaling to rehearsal, using uncertainty as a pressure tool. Historically, strategic ambiguity deterred aggression by leaving China unsure of US response and Taiwan cautious of provocation, maintaining peace despite simmering tensions.