HONG KONG (MNN); China on Monday launched extensive joint live-fire military exercises involving air, naval and missile forces around Taiwan, describing the drills as a “stern warning” to separatist elements and what it termed external interference. Taiwan responded by placing its forces on high alert and accused Beijing of being the “biggest destroyer of peace” in the region.
Taiwan’s civil aviation authorities said the exercises would disrupt air traffic, affecting more than 100,000 international passengers due to flight cancellations and diversions.
The drills followed Beijing’s strong objections to a proposed large-scale US arms sale to Taiwan and recent remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who said Japan’s military could become involved if China took action against Taiwan. China maintains that Taiwan must ultimately come under its rule.
While China’s military statement did not directly name the United States or Japan, the Chinese foreign ministry accused Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party of seeking independence by relying on US support.
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense said rapid response exercises were underway, with troops maintaining heightened readiness. It said China’s actions once again demonstrated its aggressive posture and threat to regional peace.
US President Donald Trump said he had not been informed in advance about the drills but expressed no concern, noting that China had conducted similar naval exercises in the area for years. He also cited his “good relationship” with Chinese President Xi Jinping and said he did not believe Xi intended to attack Taiwan.
According to China’s People’s Liberation Army Eastern Theater Command, the drills were conducted in the Taiwan Strait and in areas to the north, south-west, south-east and east of the island. Senior Colonel Shi Yi said the exercises focused on sea-air combat patrols, joint operations to gain comprehensive control, and simulated blockades of key ports. He said the drills aimed at all-dimensional deterrence beyond the island chain and were necessary to safeguard China’s sovereignty and national unity.
Taiwanese defense officials said that by Monday afternoon, dozens of Chinese aircraft, drones and naval vessels were operating around the strait, some entering Taiwan’s monitored response zones. They warned that such exercises could have wider implications for regional stability and international security.
China announced the drills would continue on Tuesday, with multiple temporary danger zones declared for rocket-firing exercises. Taiwan’s aviation authority said hundreds of international and domestic flights would be affected, with widespread cancellations and delays already reported.
The drills come amid heightened regional tensions, recent sanctions imposed by Beijing on US defense firms, and continued disputes over Taiwan’s status, which remains one of the most sensitive flashpoints in Asia.
