China has launched large-scale military exercises around Taiwan involving naval, air, and rocket forces. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) described the exercises as a “severe warning” against Taiwan’s independence movement.
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense reported that 19 Chinese warships and 76 military aircraft entered its defense zone, with the Shandong aircraft carrier operating near the island. The PLA also conducted long-range live-fire drills in the East China Sea, targeting ports and energy facilities. In response, Taiwan deployed its own warships and missile defense systems to monitor the situation.
China’s Coast Guard framed its activities as a “law enforcement patrol,” while Beijing’s state media emphasized its ability to launch multi-directional attacks. Taiwan’s Defense Minister Wellington Koo denounced China’s actions as destabilizing and accused Beijing of attempting to intimidate Taiwan through large-scale military provocations.
The United States, the European Union, and Japan condemned China’s drills, warning that the escalation threatens regional security and disrupts global stability. The U.S. reaffirmed its commitment to Taiwan’s defense, warning China against coercion.
