China conducted large joint live-fire drills around Taiwan, deploying air, naval and missile forces and describing the operation as a warning to separatists and foreign interference. Taiwan put forces on alert, reported major aviation disruptions affecting more than 100,000 international travellers, and condemned the exercises as destabilising. Beijing said the drills responded to a potential U.S. arms sale and remarks from Japan’s leader; the moves have raised regional tensions and prompted international concern.
China Holds Large-Scale Live-Fire Drills Around Taiwan, Citing Warning To 'Separatists' And Foreign Interference
China's military on Monday launched joint live-fire exercises around Taiwan, deploying aircraft, naval vessels, drones and long-range rockets. Beijing described the manoeuvres as a "stern warning" to separatist forces and foreign interference, while Taipei put its forces on high alert and condemned the drills as destabilising.
What Happened
The People’s Liberation Army’s Eastern Theater Command said it dispatched destroyers, frigates, fighters, bombers, unmanned aerial vehicles and long-range rockets to conduct live-fire strikes and sea-air coordination drills in the Taiwan Strait and zones to the north, southwest, southeast and east of the island. Command spokesman Senior Col. Shi Yi said the exercises emphasised sea-air combat readiness, "joint seizure of comprehensive superiority" and blockades of key ports, and framed the operation as part of "all-dimensional deterrence outside the island chain."
Immediate Impact
Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said rapid-response exercises were underway and its forces remained at high alert. Hsieh Jih-sheng, deputy chief of the general staff for intelligence, reported 89 aircraft and drones operating around the strait—67 of them entering a monitored "response zone"—along with 14 navy ships nearby, four additional warships in the Western Pacific and 14 coast guard vessels.
"The Chinese Communist Party’s targeted military exercises further confirm its nature as an aggressor and the biggest destroyer of peace," Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said.
Aviation And Civil Disruption
Taiwan’s Civil Aviation Administration said Chinese authorities issued notices establishing seven temporary danger zones for rocket-firing drills from 08:00 to 18:00, preventing aircraft from entering those areas. More than 850 international flights were scheduled in that window; authorities estimated the disruption would affect over 100,000 international travellers. More than 80 domestic flights—roughly 6,000 passengers—were also cancelled, and multiple carriers announced route delays and cancellations, particularly for services to islands near the mainland.
International Context And Reactions
Beijing framed the drills as a response to what it called a potential $10+ billion U.S. arms sale to Taiwan and comments by Japan’s prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, who suggested Japan’s military could act if China attacked the island. Last week China imposed sanctions on 20 U.S. defense-related companies and 10 executives following Washington’s announced arms package, which still requires congressional approval.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian accused Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party of soliciting U.S. support to pursue independence and warned that external attempts to arm Taiwan could push the region toward confrontation. Taiwan’s presidential office spokesperson Karen Kuo said the drills undermined stability across the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific and challenged international norms.
U.S. President Donald Trump said he had not been informed in advance of the drills but expressed little concern, noting China has conducted naval exercises in the area for decades and saying he believed his personal rapport with Chinese President Xi Jinping reduced the risk of an attack.
Military And Civil Defense Moves
The Chinese command published themed posters online to publicise the drills, using provocative language such as "Shield of Justice, Smashing Illusion." Taiwan released footage highlighting its weapons and forces and said it would accelerate construction of a "Taiwan Shield" ("T-Dome") air-defence system to bolster resilience.
Outlook
Military officials said the exercises would continue into Tuesday. Taipei and international observers warned the drills risk raising tensions across the Taiwan Strait and the wider Indo-Pacific, with potential consequences for regional security and commercial aviation. Officials on both sides have framed their actions as defensive, but the high-profile show of force has prompted renewed diplomatic concern.
