Beijing, April 2, 2025: China has launched large-scale military drills around Taiwan, accusing its government of separatism and escalating tensions in the region. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) stated that the exercises serve as a “stern warning” to Taiwan’s leaders, whom Beijing claims are pushing the island toward war.
Military Operations of PLA
The PLA Navy, Army, Rocket Force, and Coast Guard launched the drills without prior notice on Tuesday morning, surrounding Taiwan from multiple directions. The Eastern Theatre Command, which oversees military operations in the region, announced that the exercises focus on:
Aerial and naval patrols near Taiwan
Seizing control of key zones
Simulating attacks on land and sea targets
Enforcing a blockade in strategic areas
China’s Coast Guard also conducted “law-enforcement patrols” near Taiwan’s waters. Analysts note that China has increasingly merged its civilian fleet, Coast Guard, and maritime militia into its broader military strategy.
what was Taiwan’s Response
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense reported detecting:
71 PLA aircraft
19 naval and Coast Guard vessels
The Chinese aircraft carrier “Shandong”
At least 10 Chinese ships entered Taiwan’s contiguous zone, which extends 24 nautical miles (44 km) from its coast. Taiwan’s military responded by deploying fighter jets, naval ships, and missile defense systems to monitor the situation.
Political Tensions
Beijing claims Taiwan is part of its territory and has vowed to unify the island with China, by force if necessary. A Chinese government spokesperson warned, “Taiwan independence means war.”
Taiwan, which operates as a sovereign state with its own government, military, and currency, has strongly rejected China’s claims. The majority of Taiwan’s population opposes reunification with China.
Taiwan Condemns China’s Actions
Taiwan’s presidential office spokesperson, Wen Lii, denounced the drills as “military provocations”, linking them to China’s recent military activities near Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines.
“China’s wide-ranging drills show that its ambitions are not limited to Taiwan but extend to achieving dominance in the western Pacific,” Wen stated.
China’s Propaganda Efforts
Alongside the military drills, China launched a propaganda campaign on social media. The PLA released videos and posters depicting simulated attacks on Taiwan, including missile strikes on Taipei. One cartoon portrayed Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te as a “parasite” over a burning city, attempting to influence public opinion.
Growing Concerns Over Conflict
China has held multiple military exercises near Taiwan in recent years, often in response to political developments. President Lai Ching-te, who leads the pro-sovereignty Democratic Progressive Party, recently introduced new security measures against Chinese influence. His statements labeling China as a “foreign hostile force” have further angered Beijing.
International Reactions
The drills come amid growing tensions between China and the United States. US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has recently visited several Asian nations, emphasizing that deterring China from attacking Taiwan remains a top priority for the US.
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