ALBAWABA- China’s military launched large-scale drills around Taiwan on Tuesday, deploying an aircraft carrier battle group and multiple military branches in what it called a direct warning against Taiwan’s pursuit of formal independence.
The joint exercises, conducted by the navy, air, ground, and rocket forces of the People’s Liberation Army’s Eastern Theater Command, were described as a "severe warning and forceful containment" against Taiwan, according to military spokesperson Shi Yi.
No prior announcement or operational name for the drills was provided. Taiwan’s government strongly condemned the exercises, calling them “blatant military provocations” that threaten regional stability.
In a statement on X, Taiwan’s Presidential Office warned that China’s escalating actions not only jeopardize peace in the Taiwan Strait but also undermine security across the broader Indo-Pacific, citing recent drills near Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, and the South China Sea.
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense reported tracking 27 Chinese naval vessels around the island over 24 hours, with the Shandong aircraft carrier group entering Taiwan’s air defense identification zone. Other sources confirmed the presence of at least 19 navy vessels.
China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has not ruled out using force to bring the island under its control.
Meanwhile, Taiwan maintains its de facto independence, with widespread public support for its democratic governance. Any military conflict over Taiwan could draw in the U.S., which has security commitments in the region and views threats to Taiwan as a matter of “grave concern.”
Chinese military maneuvers near Taiwan have become increasingly frequent and expansive in recent years.
