China’s military dispatched air, navy, and missile units surrounded Taiwan on Monday, launching joint live-fire drills that Beijing described as a “stern warning” against separatist forces and “external interference.”
The large-scale exercises, which involve the deployment of warships and fighter jets to the north, southwest, southeast, and east of the island, have placed Taiwan’s forces on high alert. The Taiwanese Defense Ministry condemned the maneuvers, labeling the Chinese government “the biggest destroyer of peace” in the region.
The drills follow Beijing’s expressions of anger regarding a potential $10 billion US arms sale to Taiwan, the largest ever proposed, and recent comments by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggesting Japan’s military could intervene if China took action against the self-ruled island.
While the Chinese military did not explicitly name the United States or Japan in its Monday statement, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian accused Taiwan’s ruling party of attempting to turn the island into a “powder keg and ammunition depot” by soliciting American support.
China’s military exercises in Taiwan caused disruption to travel
The exercises have caused significant disruption to civilian travel. Taiwan’s Civil Aviation Administration reported that more than 100,000 international air travelers would be affected by cancellations or diversions.
Chinese authorities issued notices establishing seven “temporary dangerous zones” around the strait where rocket-firing exercises will be conducted. These live-fire drills are scheduled to continue on Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., forcing the cancellation of more than 850 international flights and over 80 domestic routes.
China is holding military drills around Taiwan simulating the seizure and blockade of the island’s key areas, as a warning against “separatist forces”. pic.twitter.com/wDqEXuqw3D
— DW News (@dwnews) December 29, 2025
According to Senior Col. Shi Yi, spokesperson for the People’s Liberation Army’s Eastern Theater Command, the operations focus on sea-air combat readiness, blockades of key ports, and the “joint seizure of comprehensive superiority.” Shi stated the drills represent “all-dimensional deterrence outside the island chain,” marking the first time the command has publicly used such phrasing for a large-scale exercise.
More than 89 Chinese aircraft were detected by Taiwan on Monday
As of Monday afternoon, Taiwan’s Defense Ministry reported detecting 89 aircraft and drones operating around the strait, with 67 entering Taiwan’s response zone, and 14 navy ships in the Strait.
The ministry also reported detecting 4 warships in the Western Pacific as well as 14 coast guard vessels.
“Conducting live-fire exercises around the Taiwan Strait… does not only mean military pressure on us. It may bring more complex impact and challenges to the international community and neighboring countries,” said Hsieh Jih-sheng, deputy chief of the general staff for intelligence at the Taiwanese Defense Ministry.
Taiwan says the drills undermine stability in the Indo-Pacific
The drills utilized destroyers, frigates, bombers, and unmanned aerial vehicles alongside long-range rockets. The Chinese command promoted the action online with posters depicting a “Shield of Justice” smashing illusions of independence.
Karen Kuo, spokesperson for the Taiwanese president’s office, stated that the drills undermine stability in the Indo-Pacific and openly challenge international law. In response, the Defense Ministry released video footage of French-made Mirage-2000 aircraft conducting landings, showcasing the island’s defense capabilities.
🇨🇳🇹🇼 China has launched large-scale military exercises around Taiwan
All branches of the Chinese armed forces are taking part in the drills, which include live-fire exercises. The PLA is rehearsing amphibious assault operations. H-6K bombers practiced launches of anti-ship… pic.twitter.com/PUx8jE4PKY
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) December 29, 2025
China claims Taiwan as its own territory, to be brought under its control by force if necessary. The two sides have been governed separately since 1949.
