China has kicked off large-scale military exercises around Taiwan, calling it a “stern warning” against separatist forces.
The large-scale exercise comes just days after U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth vowed to counter Beijing’s aggression as he visited Taiwan.
The drills involve China’s army, navy, air force, and rocket force closing in on Taiwan from multiple directions, practicing blockades and assault maneuvers.
Taiwan Responds
Taiwan has condemned the move as “reckless” and “irresponsible.”
The National Security Council Secretary-General Joseph Wu urged democracies to call out Beijing’s aggression.
Taiwan’s defense ministry reported detecting 71 Chinese aircraft and 13 navy vessels near the island, along with China’s Shandong aircraft carrier in the West Pacific.
In response, Taiwan scrambled jets, deployed naval forces, and activated missile defense systems to monitor the situation.
Analysts say the drills are a direct message to Washington. Hegseth’s recent Asia tour reaffirmed U.S. alliances in the region, heightening pressure on Beijing.
Taiwan’s government believes China is using the drills to flex its military muscle while avoiding direct confrontation with the U.S. amid tense trade negotiations.
Unlike previous exercises, the sudden launch of these drills caught Taiwan off guard.
