China Conducts Major Military Drills Near Taiwan; Taipei Condemns “Blatant Provocation”

On Tuesday, China carried out large-scale military exercises in the waters and airspace surrounding Taiwan, involving units from its Navy, Air Force, and Rocket Force, according to Shi Yi, spokesperson for the Eastern Theater Command of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

These exercises mark a significant escalation, with the PLA stating that the drills served as a "serious warning" against Taiwan’s pursuit of independence.

Taiwan Condemns the Military Action

In a firm response, Taiwan’s Presidential Office took to social media platform X, stating:

“China’s blatant military provocation not only threatens peace in the Taiwan Strait but also undermines security in the entire region. We strongly condemn China's aggressive behavior.”

Taiwan’s Defense Ministry: "Threat to Regional Stability"

Taiwan's Defense Minister Wellington Koo further warned that China’s actions could lead to the "destruction of regional peace and stability." He added that Taiwan has activated a central monitoring group to track the situation in real-time and remain vigilant over Chinese military movements.

“Taiwan is closely monitoring every move by China,” Koo said, affirming the government's commitment to safeguarding its national security.

China’s Objectives: Testing Integrated Combat Readiness

China’s state-run news agency Xinhua reported that the PLA’s Eastern Theater Command conducted “comprehensive drills” across the north, south, and east coasts of Taiwan.

The focus of these drills was to test joint force capabilities, including precision strikes, integrated combat operations, and battlefield control readiness—a clear display of China’s military preparedness.

Geopolitical Context: A Renewed Show of Force Under Trump’s Presidency

This marks the first major Chinese military exercise around Taiwan since U.S. President Donald Trump began his second term. The move is likely to further strain already-tense relations between Washington and Beijing, as Taiwan continues to be a central flashpoint in U.S.-China strategic rivalry.

China continues to assert that Taiwan is an inseparable part of its territory, and has ramped up military pressure in recent years to deter what it views as separatist tendencies.