China Launches Major Military Drills Around Taiwan
The Chinese military has announced it is deploying a significant force to conduct joint military exercises around Taiwan. The drills, which began on Monday 29 December 2025, involve air, navy, and rocket force troops. The People's Liberation Army stated the operations are intended as a stern warning against what it labels separatist activities and "external interference" forces.
Background: A Reaction to Japanese Comments
The decision to stage the drills follows a period of heightened diplomatic friction. Beijing expressed strong anger after Japan's Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, suggested that Japan's military could become involved if China were to take action against Taiwan. While the Chinese military's official statement on Monday did not explicitly name Japan, the timing strongly links the exercises to the recent diplomatic row.
Taiwan has been governed separately from mainland China since 1949, following the Chinese Civil War. Despite this, Beijing consistently asserts that the island is an inalienable part of its sovereign territory and has not ruled out using force to achieve what it calls "reunification."
Implications for Regional Stability
These large-scale, multi-branch drills represent a significant escalation in military posturing. By mobilising rocket forces alongside traditional naval and air assets, China is demonstrating a comprehensive capability to project power around the Taiwan Strait. The exercises serve a dual purpose: they are a direct message to Taipei regarding independence movements, and a clear signal to any foreign powers, like Japan or its allies, considering involvement in cross-strait affairs.
The situation underscores the fragile and volatile nature of security in East Asia. Such military manoeuvres increase the risk of miscalculation or accidental conflict, particularly in busy international airspace and waterways. The international community, including the UK, will be monitoring the situation closely for any further escalation that could impact global trade and geopolitical stability.
