China's military launched large-scale joint exercises around Taiwan on Tuesday, in what it called a “serious warning and forceful deterrent against Taiwanese independence forces.” The drills, conducted by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command, included coordinated operations by the army, navy, air force, and rocket force, with maneuvers aimed at “closing in” on Taiwan from multiple directions.
Taiwan’s government swiftly condemned the exercises, denouncing them as actions that escalate tensions in the region. Presidential Office Spokesperson Karen Kuo (郭雅慧) says President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) has already instructed national security and defense agencies to closely monitor the situation and take all necessary countermeasures. She says that China has engaged in unilateral military provocations and gray-zone tactics not only near Taiwan but also in international waters near New Zealand, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines. She says ensuring peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the broader Indo-Pacific region is a shared international responsibility. She calls on China to return to a rules-based international order and contribute to the security, stability, and prosperity of the region.
Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) asserted that Taiwan's defense agencies are on high alert and will not allow the PLA’s exercises to disrupt domestic stability, including maritime and air traffic around the island. In response to Beijing’s actions, he says constantly showcasing military force is not something that should be seen in today’s progressive societies. He says in times of shifting global economic dynamics, responsible governments should focus on their own people’s well-being rather than flexing military might.
Defense Minister Wellington Koo (顧立雄) provided additional details on Taiwan's response, revealing that the military had been tracking Chinese movements, including the aircraft carrier Shandong, days before the exercises were officially announced. He says ongoing maneuvers by combat readiness patrols and the Shandong carrier are being monitored. He adds that a response center has been established and that Taiwan’s armed forces have deployed appropriate countermeasures, utilizing air, naval, and missile defense assets to monitor and respond to potential threats.
The Foreign Ministry also strongly denounced Beijing's actions, emphasizing that repeated military incursions erode China’s international standing. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hsiao Kuang-wei (蕭光偉) says China’s aggressive maneuvers in the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific undermine the stability of the Taiwan Strait and the region. The ministry emphasizes that maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is an international consensus and aligns with the interests of all parties. It urges Beijing to cease its provocations and return to diplomatic dialogue.
Mainland Affairs Council Minister Chiu Chui-cheng (邱垂正) says that Taiwan remains committed to preserving its democratic way of life and maintaining the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. He points out that China’s military provocations extend beyond Taiwan, affecting multiple nations across the Indo-Pacific. He says not only is there tension across the Taiwan Strait but the Asia-Pacific region is also unstable.
While tensions remain high, Taiwan’s government affirmed its strategy of measured restraint, vowing to respond firmly to threats while avoiding unnecessary escalation.