The drills, described as a "stern warning," come days after U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth pledged to counter what he termed "China’s aggression" during his first visit to Asia.
According to a statement from the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command, the exercises involve maneuvers such as "assault on maritime and ground targets" and "blockade on key areas and sea lanes" to test joint operational capabilities. The statement framed the drills as a response to "Taiwan Independence" movements and a measure to safeguard China's sovereignty and national unity.
Taiwanese officials have strongly criticized the exercises, calling them "reckless" and "irresponsible." Joseph Wu, Secretary-General of Taiwan’s National Security Council, stated on social media that the drills are "unjustified" and violate international laws. The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense reported detecting 71 Chinese military aircraft and 13 PLA navy vessels operating near the island, alongside a carrier group led by China’s domestically built aircraft carrier, the Shandong. In response, Taiwan’s military has deployed its own aircraft and ships and activated land-based missile systems for monitoring and defense.
China’s coast guard also announced "law-enforcement patrols" in the waters surrounding Taiwan, which reportedly included interception drills. The PLA released footage showing frigates sailing, aircraft taking off, and missile systems being positioned for launch. The Eastern Theater Command later stated that naval and air force formations had conducted exercises in the northern, southern, and eastern waters around Taiwan, supported by missile and rocket artillery units.
Taiwanese officials and analysts suggest that the exercises are a signal to the Trump administration, particularly figures like Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who have taken a firm stance against Beijing’s actions in the Indo-Pacific. An internal Taiwan government analysis, shared with CNN, indicated that these drills followed Hegseth’s recent visit to the region, which reaffirmed U.S. security commitments and increased pressure on Beijing.
Beijing has intensified regular military operations around Taiwan in recent years, using drills to test responses and exert pressure on the island’s leadership. The latest exercises come amid broader regional tensions, including ongoing disputes over maritime territories and trade relations.
The situation continues to develop, with Taiwan maintaining a high state of readiness and China emphasizing its position that Taiwan is part of its territory. The region remains a focal point of geopolitical tensions, with potential implications for global shipping and trade stability.
