China has launched large-scale military drills around Taiwan, accusing its leaders of being “separatists” and “parasites”. The drills, accompanied by a propaganda campaign, were launched without warning on Tuesday morning.
China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) said the drills were a “stern warning” to Taiwan’s democratically elected government over what Beijing claims is separatist activity. Forces from the PLA Navy, Army and Rocket Force were approaching Taiwan from multiple directions, according to China’s Eastern Theatre Command.
Taiwan’s defence ministry detected 71 PLA aircraft and at least 19 Navy and Coast Guard vessels on Tuesday, including the Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong. The military had deployed aircraft, Navy ships, and coastal missile systems in response.
Beijing claims Taiwan is Chinese territory and is building capability to seize it by military force. Analysts believe China’s military pressure – such as drills – aims to push Taiwan towards submission. “Taiwan independence” means war, according to Beijing’s spokesperson for Taiwan Affairs Office, Zhu Fenglian.
Taiwan operates as a sovereign state with its own government, military and currency. Its government and people overwhelmingly oppose the prospect of Chinese rule. The US secretary of defence has visited several Asian countries in recent days, emphasizing that countering China and deterring it from attacking Taiwan is a key priority.
China’s actions have sparked concern among regional allies. Taiwan’s presidential office spokesperson condemned China’s “escalatory behaviour” and “military provocations”. The drills indicate China’s ambitions go beyond annexing Taiwan, aiming to achieve hegemony in the western Pacific.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/01/china-launches-surprise-military-drills-around-taiwan