China Conducts Large-Scale Military Exercises Near Taiwan
Military maneuvers simulate a blockade of Taiwan amid rising tensions in the region.
On April 1, 2025, the Chinese military mobilized ground, naval, and air forces around Taiwan for extensive military exercises simulating a blockade of the island, claimed by Beijing as part of its territory.
Shi Yi, spokesperson for the Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese army, asserted that these operations are 'legitimate and necessary to safeguard China's sovereignty and national unity.'
The exercises primarily focus on combat readiness patrols, achieving overall superiority, striking maritime and land targets, and blocking key areas and shipping lanes, according to Shi.
In counteraction, Taiwan dispatched its own aircraft and ships and deployed missile systems.
The Taiwanese defense ministry reported that China had stationed a record number of 71 aircraft, four coast guard vessels, and 21 warships, including the aircraft carrier Shandong, near Taiwan since May 2024.
In the United States, a White House spokesperson stressed President Donald Trump's commitment to maintaining peace in the Taiwan Strait, reiterating U.S. opposition to any unilateral attempts to alter the status quo through force or coercion.
The European Union expressed concern, stating that the Chinese maneuvers 'escalate tensions' and calling on all parties to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could increase tensions further.
Meanwhile, the Philippine military chief declared that the Philippines would inevitably be involved if an invasion of Taiwan occurred, urging military planning in anticipation of potential conflict.
Taiwanese coast guard officials reported the arrest of a Chinese national attempting to enter Taiwan illegally aboard a rubber boat, highlighting ongoing security concerns in the region.
The individual was apprehended near Kinmen, an island governed by Taipei but located just a few kilometers from the Chinese mainland.
The Chinese Communist Party has never ruled Taiwan but claims the island as part of its territory and does not rule out the use of force to take control.
Beijing's military activities near Taiwan have increased in recent years as it asserts its claims, which Taipei firmly rejects.
The exercises are perceived as a message of 'stern warning and vigorous deterrence' aimed at separatists, according to Chinese military statements.
Experts suggest that China is more likely to attempt a blockade of Taiwan rather than a full-scale invasion, which would involve greater risks and require substantial military deployment.
The exercises conducted are comparable in scale to previous 'Joint-Sword' drills held in May and October 2024.
The timing of these exercises, coinciding with a recent visit by U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to the region, has been interpreted by some analysts as a test of U.S. resolve prior to a potential summit between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Taiwan's democratically elected President Lai Ching-te has labeled China a 'hostile foreign force' and has proposed additional measures to combat infiltration and espionage.
During the exercises, Chinese diplomatic channels reiterated that moves towards Taiwanese independence 'are doomed to failure' and warned that promoting independence would push Taiwan into a 'dangerous situation of armed conflict.'
These maneuvers represent the most significant military activity near Taiwan since February, when Taipei reported Chinese exercises involving 'live-fire drills' with aircraft and warships.
The Chinese state media described Taiwan's reactions as 'exaggerations' in response to what it deemed routine training.
The tensions surrounding Taiwan are emblematic of a broader geopolitical rivalry between China and the United States, with the latter being Taiwan's primary political ally and main arms supplier.
These military exercises followed statements by Hegseth in Tokyo, affirming U.S. determination to maintain credible deterrence in the Taiwan Strait.
The historical backdrop of these tensions dates back to 1949, when the Nationalist Party retreated to Taiwan following its defeat by the Communist forces.
Shi Yi, spokesperson for the Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese army, asserted that these operations are 'legitimate and necessary to safeguard China's sovereignty and national unity.'
The exercises primarily focus on combat readiness patrols, achieving overall superiority, striking maritime and land targets, and blocking key areas and shipping lanes, according to Shi.
In counteraction, Taiwan dispatched its own aircraft and ships and deployed missile systems.
The Taiwanese defense ministry reported that China had stationed a record number of 71 aircraft, four coast guard vessels, and 21 warships, including the aircraft carrier Shandong, near Taiwan since May 2024.
In the United States, a White House spokesperson stressed President Donald Trump's commitment to maintaining peace in the Taiwan Strait, reiterating U.S. opposition to any unilateral attempts to alter the status quo through force or coercion.
The European Union expressed concern, stating that the Chinese maneuvers 'escalate tensions' and calling on all parties to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could increase tensions further.
Meanwhile, the Philippine military chief declared that the Philippines would inevitably be involved if an invasion of Taiwan occurred, urging military planning in anticipation of potential conflict.
Taiwanese coast guard officials reported the arrest of a Chinese national attempting to enter Taiwan illegally aboard a rubber boat, highlighting ongoing security concerns in the region.
The individual was apprehended near Kinmen, an island governed by Taipei but located just a few kilometers from the Chinese mainland.
The Chinese Communist Party has never ruled Taiwan but claims the island as part of its territory and does not rule out the use of force to take control.
Beijing's military activities near Taiwan have increased in recent years as it asserts its claims, which Taipei firmly rejects.
The exercises are perceived as a message of 'stern warning and vigorous deterrence' aimed at separatists, according to Chinese military statements.
Experts suggest that China is more likely to attempt a blockade of Taiwan rather than a full-scale invasion, which would involve greater risks and require substantial military deployment.
The exercises conducted are comparable in scale to previous 'Joint-Sword' drills held in May and October 2024.
The timing of these exercises, coinciding with a recent visit by U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to the region, has been interpreted by some analysts as a test of U.S. resolve prior to a potential summit between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Taiwan's democratically elected President Lai Ching-te has labeled China a 'hostile foreign force' and has proposed additional measures to combat infiltration and espionage.
During the exercises, Chinese diplomatic channels reiterated that moves towards Taiwanese independence 'are doomed to failure' and warned that promoting independence would push Taiwan into a 'dangerous situation of armed conflict.'
These maneuvers represent the most significant military activity near Taiwan since February, when Taipei reported Chinese exercises involving 'live-fire drills' with aircraft and warships.
The Chinese state media described Taiwan's reactions as 'exaggerations' in response to what it deemed routine training.
The tensions surrounding Taiwan are emblematic of a broader geopolitical rivalry between China and the United States, with the latter being Taiwan's primary political ally and main arms supplier.
These military exercises followed statements by Hegseth in Tokyo, affirming U.S. determination to maintain credible deterrence in the Taiwan Strait.
The historical backdrop of these tensions dates back to 1949, when the Nationalist Party retreated to Taiwan following its defeat by the Communist forces.
