The Chinese military announced new exercises in waters near Taiwan on Wednesday, a day after launching drills to encircle the self-governed island, which Beijing claims as its own.
These exercises, conducted in the Taiwan Strait, aim to assess military capabilities in blockade, control, and precision strikes on strategic targets, according to Senior Colonel Shi Yi, spokesperson for the Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese military.
The European Union (EU) and the United States condemned China’s military drills, in which the People’s Liberation Army simulated attacks and blockades from multiple fronts. Both international actors urged restraint and rejected any attempt to alter the status quo by force.
From the White House, spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated that President Donald Trump advocates for a peaceful resolution of tensions in the strait and reiterated Washington’s opposition to any attempt to unilaterally change the situation through force or coercion.
Meanwhile, the European External Action Service (EEAS) warned that Chinese military operations are escalating tensions in the region. The EU emphasized the strategic importance of the Taiwan Strait for global security and stability and called for moderation, insisting that any disputes between Beijing and Taipei must be resolved peacefully.
The latest drills add to the increasing deployment of Chinese fighter jets and warships in the area in recent years, as part of Beijing’s strategy to reinforce its claim over Taiwan—a claim that Taipei rejects.
Taiwan remains a key flashpoint between China and the United States, its main security partner. Beijing opposes Washington’s support for the island and has warned that it does not rule out using force to bring it under its control.
Tensions have risen since Lai Ching-te took office as Taiwan’s president in May 2024, further increasing uncertainty in the region.
