Overview
- The PLA’s Eastern Theater Command mobilized army, navy, air force and rocket force units, designating five sea and air zones with temporary restrictions for roughly 10 hours on Tuesday.
- Officials labeled the operation a “serious warning” to supporters of Taiwan’s independence and to external interference, releasing maps and advising nonparticipating ships and aircraft to avoid the drill areas.
- Taiwan condemned the move, activated a response center, deployed forces and ran rapid-response exercises, while monitoring multiple Chinese aircraft and vessels operating near the island.
- The announcement follows the United States’ $11.1 billion arms package for Taiwan and recent tensions with Japan after comments from Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi about a potential response to a Taiwan conflict.
- State media indicated a focus on sealing key ports including Keelung and Kaohsiung and rehearsing blockade and joint-strike capabilities, marking the sixth major round of PLA drills targeting Taiwan since 2022.