China has begun large-scale military exercises around Taiwan, describing them as a “stern warning” against separatist forces while launching an aggressive propaganda campaign targeting Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te. The joint army, navy, and rocket force drills come as tensions between Beijing and Taipei escalate, with Taiwan sending warships in response to the Chinese navy’s approach.
The exercises, announced by China’s Eastern Theatre Command on Tuesday, focus on “combat readiness patrols at sea and in the air, seizing comprehensive control, striking maritime and land targets, and imposing blockade controls on key areas and routes.” Taiwan’s government swiftly condemned the drills, with the presidential office stating that “China is widely recognised by the international community as a troublemaker.”
China’s Escalating Rhetoric
China has not only flexed its military muscle but has also ramped up its rhetoric against President Lai, whom it views as a separatist. In a propaganda video, the Eastern Theatre Command depicted Lai as a cartoon bug held by chopsticks above a burning Taiwan, calling him a “parasite” in English. Other videos showcased Chinese warships and fighter jets encircling the island, with titles such as “Closing In” and “Subdue Demons and Vanquish Evils,” the latter featuring Sun Wukong, the legendary warrior from “Journey to the West.”
According to Reuters, Taiwan’s Defence Minister Wellington Koo dismissed Beijing’s messaging, calling it “provocative” and “not conducive to peace,” while criticizing the Chinese military for focusing on intimidation rather than addressing internal corruption issues.
Taiwan Responds
Taiwan’s Defence Ministry reported that over 10 Chinese military ships had approached within 24 nautical miles (44 km) of Taiwan’s contiguous zone, prompting Taiwan to dispatch its own warships. However, no live fire was detected from the Chinese military.
The island’s response was further triggered by the movement of China’s Shandong aircraft carrier group into Taiwan’s defense zone on Monday. Taiwan responded by deploying military aircraft, warships, and land-based missile systems to monitor and deter potential threats.
U.S. Watches Closely
The drills come shortly after U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth left the region following visits to Japan and the Philippines, where he strongly criticized China’s military aggression. Taiwan intelligence assessments suggest Beijing timed the exercises to avoid direct confrontation with Washington while still demonstrating its military capabilities.
A spokesperson for the de facto U.S. embassy in Taiwan condemned the drills, stating, “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.”
China’s Coast Guard and Continued Military Pressure
China’s coast guard has also joined the exercises, simulating “inspection and capture, interception and detention operations against unwarranted vessels” to assert its “legitimate jurisdiction” over Taiwan.
According to China’s state-run Global Times, these drills were not assigned a specific code name, signifying that military maneuvers near Taiwan “have become a normal practice.” A Chinese military expert cited in the publication claimed that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has significantly strengthened its war readiness through frequent exercises in the Taiwan Strait in recent years.
Since 2022, when then-U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taipei, China has conducted multiple rounds of war games around Taiwan, escalating military pressure on the self-governing island. With tensions showing no sign of easing, Taiwan remains on high alert as Beijing continues to assert its claims over the island with military force and aggressive rhetoric.
