Overview
- China’s Eastern Theater Command deployed army, navy, air force and rocket force units, describing the drills as a deterrent to Taiwan independence and external interference.
- The PLA published maps marking five sea and air zones for live-fire activity on Dec. 30 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. local time and advised ships and aircraft to stay clear.
- Taiwan established a response center, placed forces on high alert and reported 89 Chinese aircraft and drones plus 14 navy ships by mid-afternoon, with additional coast guard vessels nearby.
- Taiwan’s aviation authority warned that roughly 850 international flights and more than 100,000 travelers would face cancellations or diversions during the live-fire window, with dozens of domestic flights also canceled.
- Chinese state media amplified the drills with propaganda posters and messaging about blockade and control, highlighting exercises that target key ports such as Keelung and Kaohsiung and following recent frictions with Japan.