China launched large-scale military drills around Taiwan on Tuesday, involving coordinated efforts from naval, air, ground, and rocket forces. Beijing described the exercises as a warning to Taiwan’s government, which it accuses of being “separatists” and “parasites” pushing the democratically governed territory toward conflict.
The drills followed a visit to Asia by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who criticized China’s actions in the region and promised stronger ties with allies like Japan and the Philippines.
The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) spokesperson Shi Yi called the drills a “stern warning” and a “necessary action” to protect China’s sovereignty. China claims Taiwan as its territory and repeatedly said it is willing to take the island by force if necessary.
The PLA said the drills focused on surrounding Taiwan from multiple directions and practicing strikes on land and sea targets, as well as blockading key sea routes. An aircraft carrier group led by the Shandong was also involved. No live fire was reported during the drills.
Aside from the drills, the PLA Eastern Theater Command also posted a video animation depicting Taiwan’s President Lai as a “parasite poisoning Taiwan Island.”
China’s just launched massive military drills around Taiwan this morning – Army, navy, air force, and rocket units deployed
The PLA Eastern Theater Command statement:
“The Eastern Theater Command spokesperson, Senior Colonel Shi Yi, said that starting from April 1, the Eastern… pic.twitter.com/0TcPQwu7Rr
— Indo-Pacific News – Geo-Politics & Defense (@IndoPac_Info) April 1, 2025
Taiwan’s Defense Ministry reported detecting 71 Chinese military aircraft and 13 navy ships near the island. More than 10 ships approached Taiwan’s 24-nautical-mile zone.
Taiwan responded by sending its own warships and jets and putting land-based missile units on alert.
Taiwanese officials condemned the drills. “China’s blatant military provocations not only threaten peace in the Taiwan Strait but also undermine security in the entire region,” the Presidential Office said in a statement posted on X.
China’s blatant military provocations not only threaten peace in the #Taiwan Strait but also undermine security in the entire region, as evidenced by drills near Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Korea, the Philippines & the SCS. We strongly condemn China’s escalatory behavior.
— Taiwan Presidential Office Spokesperson (@TaiwanPresSPOX) April 1, 2025
National Security Council secretary-general Joseph Wu called China’s actions “reckless” and “unacceptable.” He continued: “It came without justification, violates international laws and is totally unacceptable. Democracies need to condemn China for being a troublemaker.”
The #PLA joint exercises are reckless & irresponsible in threatening #Taiwan as well as peace & stability in the #IndoPacific. It came without justification, violate int’l laws & is totally unacceptable. Democracies need to condemn #China for being a troublemaker. pic.twitter.com/RJxfZN2RMt
— Joseph Wu (@josephwutw) April 1, 2025
An analysis by Taiwan’s government identified Hegseth’s visit as one of the “external reasons” behind China’s latest military drills.
“They have reaffirmed the importance of security and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and confirmed that the US is shifting its security focus to the Indo-Pacific region. This has put great pressure on Beijing’s intentions,” according to the analysis, which was shared with CNN by a senior Taiwanese national security official.
Su Tzu-yun, a director at the Institute for National Defense and Security Research in Taiwan, told CNN that unlike last year’s two “Joint Sword-2024” military drills, the latest exercises came as a “surprise” on Tuesday morning.
“I think Beijing is trying to show its signal to Washington,” Su said.
Taiwan’s defense ministry said it remains on high alert and will continue monitoring Chinese movements.
