Beijing: China on Tuesday launched its largest ever live fire military drills around Taiwan, sharply escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait and prompting Taiwan to place its armed forces on high alert.
The drills, carried out by the People’s Liberation Army, involved live ammunition firing across multiple sea and air zones surrounding Taiwan. Chinese military officials said the exercises were aimed at testing joint combat readiness and sending a clear warning against what Beijing calls external interference and separatist activities.
According to Chinese authorities, the operation included naval vessels, fighter jets, bombers, missile units and air defence systems. The drills simulated a rapid encirclement of Taiwan and rehearsed blockade like scenarios targeting key sea routes and ports. Some of the designated drill zones were closer to Taiwan than in previous exercises, raising concern in the region.
Taiwan’s defence ministry strongly condemned the drills, calling them provocative and a serious threat to peace and stability. Taipei said it had deployed naval and air assets to monitor the situation and ensure the safety of its territory and surrounding waters. Officials stressed that Taiwan’s future must be decided by its people and vowed to defend the island’s democratic system.
The military exercises come days after the United States approved a major arms package for Taiwan, a move that Beijing criticised as a violation of its sovereignty. Chinese state media described the drills as a firm response to growing military cooperation between Taiwan and its allies.
International airlines and shipping companies were advised to avoid parts of the affected areas during the exercises, with some routes temporarily adjusted as a precaution.
Analysts say the scale and intensity of the drills mark a significant escalation and reflect China’s increasing readiness to demonstrate military power around Taiwan. Regional governments are closely watching developments amid fears that continued tensions could further destabilise the Asia Pacific region.
China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to bring the island under its control. Taiwan, a self governed democracy, rejects Beijing’s claims and maintains close ties with several Western nations.