China conducts massive Taiwan Strait drills amid US arms sale and Japan tensions

China’s military on Monday launched large-scale exercises in the “middle areas” of the Taiwan Strait, intensifying regional tensions amid US arms sales to Taiwan and diplomatic friction with Japan .

The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theatre Command deployed fighters, bombers, long-range rockets, and unmanned aerial vehicles in joint live-fire exercises aimed at striking mobile ground targets and testing precision strike capabilities. The drills, which span multiple zones surrounding Taiwan, also simulate a blockade of key ports and have disrupted civilian air travel, affecting over 100,000 international passengers.

China claims self-governing Taiwan as part of its mainland and has vowed to achieve “ reunification .” The current exercises follow US President Donald Trump’s approval of a record USD 11.1 billion arms package for Taipei, which, if cleared by Congress, would be Washington’s largest-ever arms sale to the island. Beijing sharply criticised the move, accusing Washington of sending a “ gravely wrong signal ” to Taiwan independence forces and aiding their plans to turn the island into a “ powder keg .” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun warned that China would take “ resolute and strong measures ” to defend its sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.

The drills coincide with escalating tensions with Japan. Chinese officials reacted angrily to Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s November 7 remarks that a Taiwan contingency could pose a “ survival-threatening situation ” for Japan and potentially prompt military action in support of the US. Beijing has also criticised Japan’s deployment of a mobile surveillance radar unit on Okinawa to monitor Chinese aircraft carriers and planes. Guo questioned whether Japan is “ making trouble at China’s doorstep ” to justify military expansion abroad.

Taiwanese authorities reported that around 130 Chinese aircraft and more than 20 naval vessels are operating near the island, with dozens of aircraft crossing the Taiwan Strait median line. Taiwan’s forces are on high alert and conducting their own rapid-response drills to safeguard sovereignty.

China has significantly intensified Taiwan encirclement exercises since 2022, following then-US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taipei , which Beijing viewed as a provocative show of support for the island. The current drills, code-named “ Justice Mission 2025 ,” underscore Beijing’s intent to deter foreign interference and Taiwan independence efforts.

The situation has drawn international attention, with ambassadors from the Quad nations, the US, Japan, Australia, and India , meeting to reaffirm support for a “free and open Indo-Pacific.” Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump publicly downplayed the impact of the drills, signalling confidence in maintaining relations with China.

Taiwan has reiterated its commitment to defend its sovereignty while seeking to prevent further escalation in the Taiwan Strait, as regional powers monitor the unfolding military and diplomatic developments closely.