China has begun large-scale military exercises around Taiwan this week, labeling the operation as a “strong warning and powerful deterrent against the island’s independence.” The announcement was made by the Eastern Theater Command of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
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According to Colonel Shi Yi, spokesperson for the command, the maneuvers involve ground, air, naval forces, and missile units, focusing mainly on “combat patrols at sea and in the air, comprehensive control of areas, attacks on naval and land targets, and strategic blockades.”
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“This is a serious warning to the separatist forces of Taiwan’s independence, as well as a legitimate and necessary measure to safeguard China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” said the colonel.
In addition to the PLA, the China Coast Guard is also participating in the simulations, conducting operations such as inspections, seizures, interceptions, and detentions of vessels, aiming to demonstrate what Beijing considers its legitimate jurisdiction over Taiwan.
Taiwan responds with maximum alert
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense confirmed that the Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong entered the operational zone. In response, Taipei placed combat aircraft, naval vessels, and ground missile systems on maximum alert.
Two senior Taiwanese officials revealed that more than 10 Chinese warships arrived within just 24 nautical miles of the island’s coast, prompting Taiwan to move its own military vessels for monitoring and response.
The exercises come just three months after similar maneuvers carried out in December, although this time they are on a smaller scale and limited to forces from the Eastern Theater Command.
Signs of a siege and possible invasion
During the simulations, China is rehearsing a well-known scenario of siege and isolation of Taiwan, including disruption of maritime traffic and coordinated attacks on strategic targets.
Last month, China tested newly developed auxiliary vessels capable of landing armored vehicles from civilian barges onto unprepared beaches— a capability that analysts say could be used in a potential attack on the island.
These vessels, currently mass-produced by Chinese shipyards, are designed to serve as an intermediary link between larger ships and the coastline, allowing for rapid deployment of heavy equipment.
Source and images: X @MoNDefense / @Maks_NAFO_FELLA. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
