Beijing has initiated large-scale military exercises in the East China Sea, marking another escalation of its aggression against Taiwan, which China claims as part of their respective territories. The exercises aims to test the capabilities of the People’s Liberation Army and involves 76 military aircraft and 19 naval vessels, some of which entered Taiwan’s self-defense identification zone.
As part of the drills, the Chinese military released footage depicting missiles striking various targets, including animated simulations of explosions in Taiwanese cities, specifically targeting strategic locations where military bases and ports are located.
China’s campaigns against Taiwan have intensified since the 2024 elections, with Beijing labeling Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te as a “separatist” and a “parasite.” The large-scale exercises, which simulated blockades, coincided with a visit to Asia by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who has strongly condemned Beijing’s military aggression.
A spokesman for Taiwan’s presidential office stated on X that China’s blatant military provocations not only pose security challenges in the Taiwan Strait but also undermine the stability of the entire region. The exercises are occurring near Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, and the South China Sea (SCS), a crucial and disputed waterway claimed by China.
The United States, Japan, and the European Union have expressed concern over these large-scale military exercises in the South China Sea. The U.S. State Department criticized China’s military actions, stating that Beijing’s maneuvers “increase tensions and threaten regional stability.” Additionally, the European Union reiterated its opposition to any unilateral and substantial changes to the status quo in the Taiwan Strait.
China has conducted numerous large-scale military exercises around Taiwan in recent years, frequently involving blockades and incursions. The recent Strait Thunder-2025A exercises underscore Beijing’s growing military power and its readiness to project force in the region, raising alarms about potential future conflicts.
