In a significant escalation of regional tensions, China has initiated extensive live-fire military exercises encircling Taiwan. These drills, involving coordinated operations by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) across naval, air, and missile forces, are perceived as a direct warning against Taiwan’s pro-independence movements.
Details of the Military Exercises
The PLA commenced the “Strait Thunder-2025A” drills on April 1, 2025, focusing on the Taiwan Strait. The exercises included simulated precision strikes on key targets such as ports and energy facilities, utilizing modular rocket launch systems with a range of 300 kilometers. Notably, the Shandong aircraft carrier group and various jets, including the HK-6 strategic bomber equipped with YJ-21 hypersonic anti-ship missiles, participated in the maneuvers.
Taiwan’s Response
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense reported a surge in Chinese military activity, detecting 59 warplanes and 23 navy ships around the island during the final day of the drills. Eighteen of these warplanes crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, a boundary that China no longer recognizes. Taiwan condemned the exercises, accusing China of being a “troublemaker” and emphasizing its commitment to defending its sovereignty. Reuters
International Reactions
The United States, United Kingdom, European Union, and Japan have expressed concern over China’s military actions. The U.S. criticized the drills for jeopardizing regional security and global prosperity, reaffirming its commitment to maintaining peace in the Taiwan Strait. Similarly, the UK Foreign Office highlighted the risk of dangerous escalation and underscored the strategic importance of the Taiwan Strait to global stability.
Conclusion
China’s live-fire exercises around Taiwan represent a significant escalation in cross-strait tensions. The international community remains watchful, emphasizing the need for dialogue and peaceful resolution to prevent further destabilization in the region.
