China’s People’s Liberation Army initiated large-scale joint military exercises surrounding Taiwan on Monday, mobilizing air, naval, and rocket forces in what Beijing characterized as a “stern warning” against separatist activities and external interference. The drills represent the most significant show of force in the Taiwan Strait this year.
The Eastern Theater Command deployed fighter jets, bombers, and unmanned aerial vehicles coordinated with long-range rocket launches, conducting precision strike simulations against mobile ground targets. Senior Colonel Shi Yi, spokesperson for the command, stated the operations would focus on “sea-air combat readiness patrol, joint seizure of comprehensive superiority, and blockades on key ports” across five designated zones encircling the island.
Taiwan’s Defense Ministry responded by placing its military on high alert, conducting rapid response exercises and denouncing China’s actions as confirming “its nature as an aggressor and the biggest destroyer of peace.” Presidential Office spokesperson Karen Kuo condemned the drills as undermining regional stability and openly challenging international law.
The escalation follows recent tensions including U.S. arms sales to Taiwan valued at over $10 billion and statements from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding potential military involvement in Taiwan scenarios. Beijing recently imposed sanctions against 20 U.S. defense companies and 10 executives in response to the weapons package.
The exercises mark the first time China’s military has publicly stated “all-dimensional deterrence outside the island chain” as an operational objective, indicating an expansion of strategic ambitions beyond immediate territorial waters. Live firing activities are scheduled for Tuesday across multiple maritime zones surrounding Taiwan.