The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) said the live-fire drills were designed to simulate attacks on maritime targets and rehearse a potential blockade of Taiwan’s key ports and sea lanes. Military assets were deployed in multiple zones around the island, marking one of Beijing’s most extensive and assertive exercises near Taiwan in recent years.

Taiwan’s government condemned the drills as “highly provocative and reckless,” warning that the exercises risk destabilising regional security and increasing the chances of miscalculation. Taiwan’s defence ministry said it was closely monitoring the situation and had activated appropriate response measures to safeguard the island’s security.

China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to bring the island under its control. Taiwan, a self-governed democracy, rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims and insists its future must be determined by its people.

The drills come amid heightened friction between Beijing and Washington. China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned that Beijing would “forcefully counter” what it described as substantial U.S. weapons supplies to Taiwan, stressing that any efforts to impede China’s reunification with the island “will inevitably end in failure.”

The United States, which is Taiwan’s most important security partner, has reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait while continuing arms sales to help Taipei defend itself. Regional allies, including Japan, have expressed growing concern over the expanding scale and proximity of China’s military activities.

Analysts say the exercises appear intended to signal Beijing’s readiness to escalate military pressure in response to U.S. support for Taiwan, while testing blockade and strike capabilities around one of Asia’s most sensitive geopolitical flashpoints.

The war games began 11 days after the United States announced a record $11.1 billion arms package for Taiwan, a move Beijing strongly opposed. Chinese military officials said the exercises were intended to demonstrate the People’s Liberation Army’s ability to control sea and air access around the island and to deter what it calls “separatist activities.”

Taiwan’s defense ministry said it was closely monitoring the drills, which involved rocket launches, naval vessels, and aircraft operating in multiple zones surrounding the island. Officials in Taipei described the exercises as a direct threat to regional stability and an attempt by Beijing to normalize coercive military pressure.

China considers Taiwan a breakaway province that must eventually be brought under its control, by force if necessary. Taiwan’s government rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims, insisting the island is already a sovereign state with its own democratic system and military.

The latest drills reflect a broader pattern of heightened Chinese military activity around Taiwan, particularly following high-profile U.S. arms sales or diplomatic engagements with Taipei. Analysts say the exercises are designed to test blockade tactics and signal Beijing’s willingness to escalate in response to perceived foreign interference.

The United States has reiterated its commitment to Taiwan’s self defense under the Taiwan Relations Act, while urging all sides to avoid actions that could destabilize the region. Regional allies, including Japan, have also expressed concern over the expanding scope and proximity of China’s military operations.

No immediate incidents were reported during the drills, but defense experts warn that the increased frequency and intensity of such exercises raise the risk of miscalculation in one of the world’s most sensitive geopolitical flashpoints.