China Announces Live‑Fire Military Exercises Around Taiwan

Background

After several months of relative calm in the Taiwan Strait, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has launched a series of live‑fire drills encircling the island. The exercises mark the most extensive display of force near Taiwan since the early 2020s.

Triggering Factors

The timing of the drills appears linked to recent diplomatic developments. In early 2025, the United States, under the Trump administration, announced a new package of arms sales to Taiwan, including advanced missile defense systems and combat aircraft. “These sales are a direct challenge to our sovereignty,” a senior Chinese military official said in a televised briefing.

Details of the Exercises

According to official Chinese statements, the operations involve:

• Naval vessels conducting simulated blockades in the western and eastern approaches to the island.
• Air force squadrons performing coordinated strikes with precision‑guided munitions.
• Ground forces executing amphibious landing rehearsals on artificial islands in the South China Sea.

The PLA emphasized that the drills are “purely defensive” and designed to test joint command capabilities.

International Reaction

Washington condemned the maneuvers, calling them “dangerous escalations” that threaten regional stability. The European Union urged restraint, while Japan and Australia issued travel advisories for citizens in the surrounding maritime zones.

Implications for Cross‑Strait Relations

Analysts warn that the live‑fire exercises could erode the fragile status quo that has existed since the 2022 ceasefire talks. “Both sides risk a miscalculation that could spiral into open conflict,” noted a senior researcher at the Institute for Pacific Affairs.

Looking Ahead

While Beijing maintains that the drills will conclude within a few weeks, the international community remains on high alert. The upcoming summit of the Indo‑Pacific Economic Forum may become a focal point for diplomatic efforts to de‑escalate tensions.