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Taipei, Taiwan — On Tuesday, the Chinese military revealed it would conduct extensive drills in both the waters and airspace surrounding Taiwan. This initiative, which involves an aircraft carrier battle group, serves as a stern warning to the self-governing island regarding its aspirations for formal independence. According to Shi Yi, spokesperson for the People’s Liberation Army’s Eastern Theater Command, these joint exercises are designed to deliver a “severe warning and forceful containment against Taiwan independence.” No operational name for these drills was provided, nor was any prior notification issued.
China regards Taiwan as an intrinsic part of its territory and has made it clear that it intends to exert control, even through military means, if necessary. In contrast, a significant portion of the Taiwanese population leans toward maintaining their de facto independence and democratic autonomy. Any escalation of conflict in this area could involve the United States, which has established various alliances in the region and is legally committed to responding to threats against Taiwan as a “grave concern.”
In a statement posted on the social media platform X, Taiwan’s Presidential Office condemned China’s “blatant military provocations,” stating that such actions jeopardize peace not only in the Taiwan Strait but in the wider region. The statement called attention to military exercises near countries including Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, and in the South China Sea (SCS), illustrating a broader pattern of military assertiveness from China.
China’s navy has also engaged in similar drills near Australia and New Zealand, prompting unannounced flight cancellations and rerouting of commercial air traffic.
U.S. Focus on Deterring Chinese Military Expansion
The timing of China’s latest military drills coincides closely with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s recent visit to Japan. During his trip, Hegseth announced enhancements to the military partnership between the U.S. and Japan, in direct response to China’s perceived aggression in the region.
In Tokyo, Hegseth emphasized Japan as an “indispensable partner” in countering Chinese military assertiveness and revealed plans to upgrade U.S. military command in Japan into a more integrated “war-fighting headquarters.” He advocated for a stronger military collaboration between the U.S. and Japan, especially amidst rising tensions stemming from territorial disputes with China.
Hegseth’s visit sparked concerns within Japan regarding the potential shifts in U.S. foreign policy under President Trump’s “America First” approach. Reports from Japanese defense officials indicate that there are worries about how this policy may impact crucial U.S.-Japan relations, especially in light of Trump’s threats to impose tariffs on Japan.
The two nations also progressed on collaborative projects, agreeing to expedite the joint development of systems such as Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (MRAAM) and exploring the manufacturing of SM-6 surface-to-air missiles. This cooperation aims to counteract munitions shortages and enhance the operational readiness of both nations’ forces.
Currently, over 50,000 U.S. troops are stationed in Japan. Recently, Japan established the Japan Joint Operations Command (JJOC) to improve coordination across its Ground, Maritime, and Air Self-Defense Forces, significantly enhancing its ability to respond to potential crises and partner with the U.S.
Hegseth highlighted that this restructuring of U.S. forces would enhance preparedness for possible conflicts, affirming both nations’ commitment to peace while emphasizing the need for readiness.
China’s Demonstration of Military Strength
In its military exercises, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense reported tracking 71 Chinese aircraft and 21 warships in proximity to the island. They monitored movements of the Shandong aircraft carrier, noting its entry into Taiwan’s air defense identification zone—a region the Taiwanese military actively tracks.
China routinely sends military resources into this zone, which they do not recognize, yet Taiwanese officials have warned that such maneuvers could disguise preparations for a surprise attack.
“These actions vividly reflect China’s disruptive influence on regional peace and stability,” remarked Taiwan’s Defense Minister Wellington Koo.
To better oversee these military activities, Taiwan has set up a central response team. This round of drills follows a significant military exercise conducted in mid-March, which saw a marked increase in the number of drones and vessels heading towards Taiwan.
The Chinese Taiwan Affairs Office asserted that these exercises were specifically aimed at Taiwan’s president, Lai Ching-te, who has taken a markedly pro-independence stance. They accused Lai of fostering anti-China sentiment and expressed that such actions would not be tolerated.
In mid-March, Lai proposed a 17-point strategy focused on bolstering Taiwan’s national security, which includes measures to increase the scrutiny of Chinese citizens seeking residency and proposing military trials for espionage cases.
A New Wave of Propaganda from China
As part of its military campaigns, China’s PLA has also released provocative videos that aim to demonize Lai, depicting him in derogatory terms. One controversial video portrays Lai humorously, insinuating that he is harmful to Taiwan’s interests.
China’s military maneuvers persist daily, aiming to deplete Taiwanese defenses and morale, despite the majority of Taiwan’s 23 million residents rejecting Beijing’s sovereignty claims. Over recent years, the scope of these military exercises has intensified, evolving from isolated flights to comprehensive group deployments of aircraft, drones, and naval forces.
“The PLA organized naval and air forces for exercises emphasizing sea and land strikes, aimed at enhancing the precision targeting capabilities of key Taiwanese assets,” commented Zhang Chi, a defense professor at China’s National Defense University during a broadcast on state television.
The division between Taiwan and China dates back 76 years to a civil war, and relations have deteriorated significantly since 2016 when China severed nearly all ties with Taipei.
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