BEIJING: China's military wrapped up two days of extensive military drills around Taiwan on April 2, 2025, which included "live-fire" exercises and simulated strikes targeting key ports and energy sites. These exercises, codenamed "Strait Thunder-2025A," were an apparent response to escalating tensions between Beijing and Taipei, particularly following Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te's label of China as a "foreign hostile force."

China's Eastern Theatre Command reported that the drills involved the deployment of its army, navy, air, and rocket forces, simulating precision strikes and practicing a blockade of the island. In a direct rebuke, Chinese officials depicted Lai as a "parasite" in state propaganda and accused him of provoking instability. A spokesperson for China's Ministry of Defence declared, "Those who play with fire will inevitably get burned," warning that Taiwan's "separatist forces" would face severe consequences. This rhetoric, coupled with the drills, is part of China's broader strategy to exert pressure on Taiwan amidst increasing support from the United States for the island.

According to Taiwan's Defence Ministry, over the course of the exercises, they detected 59 Chinese warplanes and 23 navy ships operating near the island, including the Shandong aircraft carrier group. The exercises included crossings of the unofficial median line of the Taiwan Strait by 18 warplanes, marking a notable increase in military activity. Taiwan condemned the drills, characterizing them as unjustified provocations that threaten regional peace.

The U.S. State Department condemned the military maneuvers as aggressive tactics, emphasizing America's commitment to Taiwan's security amidst growing fears of Chinese expansionism. This latest round of drills follows a pattern established by China, which has conducted routine military exercises around Taiwan over the past few years, often in response to perceived provocations by Taiwan’s government. Such drills are speculated to be rehearsals for a potential blockade or seizing of the territory.

Recent developments underscore the tense state of affairs in the Taiwan Strait, as both nations navigate the complex geopolitical landscape involving crucial international players, including the United States, which remains Taiwan's crucial security partner despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties. With these military exercises, analysts suggest that China is testing not only Taiwan's defense capabilities but also gauging the resolve of the U.S. and its allies in the region to support Taiwan. As tensions elevate, the international community watches closely, calling on restraint from both sides.

For more details, visit Channel News Asia and Reuters.