China Intensifies Military Exercises Near Taiwan in Response to US Actions

by Bloomberg News
Apr 1, 2025 (Bloomberg) – Recently, China ramped up military drills around Taiwan, deploying the largest number of naval vessels seen in nearly a year. This comes right after the US reaffirmed its commitment to countering Beijing’s assertiveness in the region.On Tuesday, Senior Colonel Shi Yi from the People’s Liberation Army announced that these exercises would simulate attacks on both maritime and land targets. the drills aimed to test joint operational capabilities across various military branches including army, navy, air force, and rocket units. taiwan’s Defense Ministry reported spotting 19 chinese ships—marking a significant uptick since last May when President Lai ching-te took office.

Considering these developments,US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has been actively engaging with allies like Japan and the Philippines. He assured them of missile systems and troop deployments to bolster defenses against China’s ambitions in East Asia. His remarks were especially welcomed in Taipei as they contrasted sharply with previous comments from former President Trump regarding support for Ukraine while expressing skepticism about Taiwan’s defense needs.

Adding another layer to this situation is a recent report by The Washington Post about an undisclosed US memo outlining strategies for preventing potential Chinese aggression towards Taiwan—a document reportedly signed by Hegseth that has circulated within Pentagon circles.Ja Ian Chong from Singapore’s National University suggests that multiple factors are influencing China’s decision to conduct these drills now; though, he emphasizes that it primarily revolves around testing how far Beijing can push without facing repercussions. he argues that China aims to undermine confidence in US deterrence efforts so that nations like Taiwan might acquiesce under pressure.Interestingly enough, while China’s military is embroiled in corruption scandals affecting its modernization goals—according to reports from the US defense Department—the country continues its aggressive posture through frequent exercises near Taiwan. As Lai assumed office last year, there have been at least six rounds of such maneuvers as Beijing seeks control over what it considers its territory.

Taiwan’s Defense Ministry also noted an accompanying cyberattack during these latest drills but withheld specifics on targeted entities.Additionally, Chinese Coast Guard vessels were reported near Taiwanese offshore islands—a move likely intended as intimidation given Beijing’s disdain for Lai’s pro-independence stance and his efforts against Chinese influence within Taiwanese institutions.

The response from Beijing was swift; their Taiwan Affairs Office condemned Lai’s actions as provocations warranting severe countermeasures.Despite this tension-filled backdrop, markets in Taiwan appeared unfazed by China’s military activities; stocks rose by 2.8% following a prior selloff while the Taiwanese dollar slightly weakened against the USD.

China has previously labeled some exercises around Taiwan with names like Joint Sword A and B but seems less inclined to do so now—perhaps signaling a normalization of such activities rather than treating them as remarkable events requiring special attention or nomenclature.

Jack Chen from Formosa Defense Vision pointed out this shift could be interpreted as an attempt by China to project readiness for actual combat at any moment if necessary. In an interesting twist during Tuesday’s exercises, PLA livestreamed coverage on social media featuring commentary on their operations alongside martial music and visuals showcasing Kinmen Island—a strategic point just off China’s coast.

As tensions simmer over issues surrounding sovereignty and regional security dynamics between major powers continue evolving rapidly—it remains crucial for observers worldwide to stay informed about developments impacting global stability.