China Stages Military Drills Around Taiwan
China launched large-scale military drills around Taiwan on Tuesday, deploying warships, aircraft, and missile units in what it called a “stern warning” against separatism. The exercises, which took place on Taiwan’s north, south, and east coasts, included simulated blockades and strikes on ground and maritime targets. Taiwan responded by sending its own warships and aircraft, with officials condemning China’s actions as “reckless” and a threat to regional stability. “Once again, China has shown that it is not a responsible actor and has no problem putting the region’s security and prosperity at risk,” the American Institute in Taiwan said.
Taiwan’s Defense Ministry reported that 71 Chinese aircraft and 13 warships operated near the island, with 36 planes crossing the Taiwan Strait’s median line. The Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong was spotted near Taiwan’s 24-nautical-mile contiguous zone, the closest it has ever been to the area. The drills came just days after U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth criticized China’s military actions during his Asia visit. Analysts believe Beijing timed the exercises to pressure both Taipei and Washington, as China prepares for upcoming U.S.-China trade talks.
Beijing has ramped up military pressure on Taiwan since President Lai Ching-te took office, accusing him of pushing for independence. In propaganda videos released alongside the drills, China’s military portrayed Lai as a "parasite," claiming he is destroying Taiwan. In response, Taiwan’s government said China was "becoming the greatest ‘troublemaker’ in the eyes of the international community." Despite Beijing’s aggressive posturing, Taiwan maintains that its future should be decided by its own people, not by pressure from China.
