China has announced plans to conduct large-scale military drills around Taiwan, including live-fire exercises, sharply escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait and drawing strong condemnation from Taipei.
China’s Eastern Theatre Command said the drills are aimed at deterring what it described as “separatist forces” advocating Taiwan’s independence. The exercises will involve multiple branches of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), including naval, air, and missile units, and are expected to take place in areas surrounding the island.
In a statement, Chinese military officials warned that the drills are a “stern warning” against actions they say threaten China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Beijing considers Taiwan a breakaway province and has repeatedly vowed to bring the self-governed island under its control, by force if necessary.
Taiwan swiftly condemned the announcement, calling the exercises a serious threat to regional peace and stability. The island’s Ministry of National Defense said it has placed its armed forces on high alert and is closely monitoring Chinese military movements.
“China’s repeated military provocations undermine regional security and stability,” the ministry said, adding that Taiwan will take “appropriate measures” to safeguard its sovereignty and democratic system. Taiwanese officials stressed that they are prepared to respond to any escalation while seeking to avoid unnecessary conflict.
The drills come amid heightened tensions between Beijing and Taipei, as well as strained relations between China and the United States. Washington is Taiwan’s most important international backer and arms supplier, despite not having formal diplomatic ties with the island. US officials have consistently opposed unilateral changes to the status quo in the Taiwan Strait.
Regional analysts warn that large-scale drills, especially those involving live-fire exercises, increase the risk of miscalculation or accidents in one of the world’s most sensitive geopolitical flashpoints. Commercial shipping and air traffic in the area are also closely watching developments, as past exercises have disrupted key trade routes.
China has carried out similar drills around Taiwan in recent years, often following political developments or high-profile foreign visits to the island. Each episode has prompted concerns among neighbouring countries about the potential for escalation in East Asia.
As both sides harden their positions, diplomats and observers are urging restraint, warning that rising military pressure could have far-reaching consequences for regional security and the global economy.
