China launched its largest-ever military drills around Taiwan on Monday, aiming to show it could surround the island and cut it off from outside help during a conflict. The exercises included troops, warships, fighter jets and live-fire drills, with China saying the goal was to test its ability to blockade Taiwan and strike targets on land and at sea.
The drills are taking place across a record seven zones, some closer to Taiwan than in past exercises, and will continue into Tuesday. Taiwanese officials said the exercises disrupted air travel, with more than 100,000 international passengers affected and dozens of domestic flights cancelled.
Taiwan’s defence ministry said China also carried out an unannounced drill zone near the island’s eastern waters. The military reported dozens of Chinese aircraft and ships operating nearby and said Taiwan’s forces were on high alert, ready to respond if the drills turned into a real attack.
China has held several major drills around Taiwan since 2022, especially after increased U.S. support for the island, including a recent $11.1 billion arms sale. Beijing says the exercises are a warning against foreign interference, while Taiwan has condemned them as military pressure that threatens regional stability.
Taiwan rejects China’s claim over the island and says only its people can decide their future.
