Overview
- China’s Defense Ministry said the Eastern Theater Command drills were designed to deter “Taiwan independence,” counter foreign interference, and signal that crossing red lines would draw resolute countermeasures.
- The PLA described joint operations in multiple zones around Taiwan involving army, navy, air force and rocket force units, with live-fire activities near the island’s surrounding waters.
- Beijing dismissed objections from the United States, Japan, Australia, the Philippines and the European Union, urging adherence to the one-China principle, while the U.S. State Department said the exercises unnecessarily raised tensions and urged restraint and dialogue.
- Taiwan’s leader Lai Ching-te said the drills increased uncertainty and risk for the region.
- A report by the Institute for the Study of War assessed that the maneuvers simulated blockade tactics targeting major ports and energy lifelines, paired coast guard and navy roles, and practiced counters to U.S. forces, noting the absence of aircraft carriers as the effort appeared one part of a broader approach; a retired U.S. admiral linked the scale to recent U.S. arms sales and remarks by Japan’s prime minister.