China stages military drills around Taiwan amid regional tensions

China on Monday began large-scale military drills around Taiwan, with the People’s Liberation Army mobilizing fighter jets, bombers, drones and long-range rocket forces across multiple zones surrounding the island. The exercises, announced by China’s Eastern Theater Command, were presented as a response to what Beijing calls “Taiwan Independence” activities and outside interference in the Taiwan Strait.

Scope and objectives of the PLA exercises

According to Chinese military officials, the drills—conducted in the Taiwan Strait and areas north, south, east and west of Taiwan—are designed to test joint operational capabilities under combat-like conditions. The maneuvers focus on precision strikes against mobile ground targets, combining air, naval and missile units to assess coordination across different branches of the PLA.

Beijing frames drills as sovereignty defense

A spokesperson for the Eastern Theater Command said forces approached Taiwan from multiple directions to simulate joint assault scenarios, describing the operation as a “legitimate and necessary” step to safeguard China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Beijing did not disclose how long the exercises would continue.

Taiwan response and regional implications

Taiwan strongly criticized the military activity, accusing China of undermining regional stability, and said its armed forces had activated rapid response measures. “We strongly condemn the PRC’s actions and remain on high alert to defend our people,” Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense said. The drills come amid sustained PLA activity near Taiwan and are being closely watched across the region, where security dynamics involving global and regional powers, including Türkiye, remain sensitive.