Barely a few days after US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth warned China against its aggression in the Indo-Pacific region, the Chinese military launched large-scale military drills around Taiwan, involving the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), Army and Rocket Force.
The Eastern Theater Command of the PLA said it organised its army, navy, air and rocket forces to close in on Taiwan Island from multiple directions, according to spokesperson for the theatre command Senior Colonel Shi Yi.
Taiwan says it has detected 19 Chinese warships and the Shandong aircraft carrier group around its island
— Indo-Pacific News - Geo-Politics & Defense (@IndoPac_Info) April 1, 2025
The PLA Eastern Theater Command announced a major exercise near Taiwan.
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense Announcement:
"The PLA Navy vessels, led by the aircraft… pic.twitter.com/RY36LTamPK
He said the drills are a "stern warning" against "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, and are a legitimate and necessary action to safeguard China's sovereignty and national unity. China claims Taiwan to be its territory.
The drills mainly focus on "sea-air combat-readiness patrols, joint seizure of comprehensive superiority, assault on maritime and ground targets, and blockade of key areas and sea lanes to test the joint operation capabilities of the troops."
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Meanwhile, China's Coast Guard said it conducted law-enforcement patrols, in waters surrounding Taiwan Island. It also claimed that it "carried out drills such as inspection and capture, interception and detention operations against unwarranted vessels."
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
Taiwan condemned the exercise as "reckless and irresponsible." It came without justification, violates international laws and is totally unacceptable, secretary-general of Taiwan’s National Security Council Joseph Wu said in a social media post.
According to Taiwan defence ministry, it tracked as many as 19 Chinese Navy vessels surrounding the island. The ministry also said it has been tracking the movement of China's Shandong aircraft carrier for the past few days and that the carrier group entered Taiwan's air defence zone.
Taiwan’s Defense Minister Wellington Koo called China's actions reflect destruction of regional peace and stability.
