- China’s military conducted extensive drills around Taiwan, showcasing its ability to blockade and strike the island from multiple directions. The exercises follow Taiwan President Lai Ching-te’s comments labeling China a “foreign hostile force.”
- Taiwan’s military responded by elevating its readiness and activating missile systems while condemning the drills as provocative and destabilizing.
- Analysts believed China aimed the drills at Taiwan and the U.S., reflecting Beijing’s growing pressure campaign against the island.
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China began large-scale military exercises around Taiwan on Tuesday, April 1, calling them a “stern warning” against separatist forces. The drills included aircraft, naval vessels and missile systems.
The military drills followed Taiwan President Lai Ching-te’s remarks calling Beijing a “foreign hostile force.” They also came shortly after U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visited the region and criticized Chinese aggression.
The People’s Liberation Army said its forces practiced blockades, strikes on land and sea targets and coordination between services. China considers Taiwan a breakaway province and has not ruled out using force to bring the island under its control.
How has Taiwan responded?
Taiwan’s defense ministry tracked 71 Chinese aircraft and 21 naval ships, including the Shandong aircraft carrier group.
While no Chinese forces crossed Taiwan’s 24-nautical-mile contiguous zone, Taiwan raised its military readiness and activated missile systems.
Officials condemned the drills as provocative.
Lai’s office called China a destabilizing actor, and Defense Minister Wellington Koo urged Beijing to address internal issues instead of threatening regional peace.
What triggered the latest escalation?
The exercises appeared tied to Lai’s March 13 speech announcing new measures against Chinese influence and espionage. Beijing called his comments a provocation and circulated propaganda videos portraying Lai as a parasite undermining Taiwan.
China’s Taiwan Affairs Office said the drills were a direct response to Lai’s “pro-independence” actions. The exercises also reflect China’s broader push to assert pressure without sparking open conflict.
Are the attacks also aimed at the US?
Analysts said China’s drills also send a message to the U.S.
During his trip to Asia, Hegseth pledged stronger U.S. alliances to deter Chinese threats in the region.
The American Institute in Taiwan said the U.S. will continue supporting the island and criticized China for risking regional stability.
Are these drills different from past ones?
Unlike previous exercises, China did not give this round an official name. State-affiliated media said the omission signals that such displays are becoming routine.
Propaganda videos emphasized themes of encirclement, punishment and deterrence.
Despite the military activity, Taiwan’s stock market closed up 2.8% Tuesday, showing limited market concern over the rising tensions.
