China Begins Two-Day Military Drills Around Taiwan Amid U.S. Arms Sale
China has initiated a two-day series of military exercises around Taiwan, starting Monday. These drills, led by the Eastern Theater Command, include 10 hours of live-fire maneuvers involving destroyers, frigates, and fighter-bombers across five locations in Taiwan's surrounding sea and airspace. The exercises simulate the seizure and blockade of key areas around Taiwan and serve as a warning against Taiwan independence and external interference.
This military activity follows closely on the heels of an $11 billion U.S. arms sale to Taiwan announced about two weeks prior. In response to the arms sale, China imposed sanctions on several U.S. defense firms and stated that attempts to contain it via Taiwan would not succeed.
Taiwan's presidential office condemned the drills, calling them a challenge to international norms.
Despite maintaining formal diplomatic relations with Beijing, the United States remains Taiwan's strongest ally and largest arms supplier. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed that he is not worried about Beijing's drills around Taiwan, citing a good relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
China continues to reaffirm its commitment to reunifying with Taiwan and has increased pressure through such military demonstrations and incursions.
