China began joint military exercises involving its army, navy, and rocket force around Taiwan on Tuesday. The Chinese government issued these drills as a “stern warning” against separatism. Taiwan responded by sending its warships to face China’s approaching navy.
Taiwan’s Response to Beijing’s Actions
China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has never ruled out using force to bring the island under its control. These exercises follow remarks by Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, who called Beijing a “foreign hostile force” last month. China sees Lai as a “separatist” and responded by calling him a “parasite” in a video released with the announcement of the drills.
Focus of the Chinese Exercises
The drills involve combat readiness patrols at sea and in the air. China also aimed to control key maritime and land targets, impose blockades, and restrict important routes. The Eastern Theatre Command provided details of these objectives, highlighting the scale of the operation. In response, Taiwan condemned China’s actions, describing the country as a “troublemaker.” Taiwan also reaffirmed its confidence in defending the island and stressed that only its people could decide their future.
Chinese Navy’s Close Proximity to Taiwan
Reports from two senior Taiwanese officials revealed that over 10 Chinese military ships entered Taiwan’s 24 nautical mile zone. In turn, Taiwan sent its warships to respond. However, Taiwan’s military did not detect any live fire during the exercises. Taiwan’s Ministry of Defence confirmed that the Chinese Shandong aircraft carrier group entered Taiwan’s response area, prompting Taiwan to activate missile systems and deploy military aircraft.
Timing of the Drills
The exercises followed the departure of U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth from the region. Hegseth had visited Japan and the Philippines, criticizing China and emphasizing Japan’s key role in countering Chinese aggression. A Taiwanese official suggested that Beijing was avoiding a direct confrontation with Washington ahead of U.S.-China trade talks. They believed Taiwan was being used as a pretext for these drills.
U.S. Support for Taiwan
The American Institute in Taiwan, acting as the de facto U.S. embassy, reiterated its support for Taiwan. A spokesperson emphasized that China’s actions put regional security at risk, highlighting its role as an irresponsible actor.
Chinese Propaganda Videos
Following the announcement of the drills, China released several propaganda videos. One video showed Chinese forces surrounding Taiwan, while another depicted President Lai as a green cartoon bug. Taiwan’s Defence Minister, Wellington Koo, condemned these provocative actions, stating they were not helpful to peace. He also criticized China’s provocative rhetoric.
Chinese Spokesperson Defends Drills
In response, Chinese spokesperson Zhu Fenglian argued that the drills were a “punishment” for Lai’s pro-independence stance. This rhetoric was intended to send a message about Taiwan’s perceived “independence” efforts.
Internal Issues in China
Taiwan’s Koo also remarked that China should focus on resolving its corruption problems rather than escalating tensions in the region. China’s military has been undergoing a major anti-corruption campaign, which led to the ousting of the Chinese Defence Minister in October 2024. Taiwanese officials believe that China is using these drills to distract its military from internal corruption discussions.
Coast Guard Participation in Drills
China’s coast guard participated in the exercises, simulating operations like vessel interception and detention. These drills aimed to assert China’s “legitimate jurisdiction” over Taiwan. According to Chinese state-run media, these military exercises have become a routine practice around Taiwan. They also highlighted the increased preparedness of China’s military for war in recent years.
Ongoing Tensions
The tension between China and Taiwan continues to grow. These drills, along with China’s ongoing military presence near Taiwan, reflect the rising stakes in the region. China has held multiple rounds of military exercises since Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan in 2022, and these recent drills signal a continuation of the strained relationship.