China Conducts Live-Fire Drills Encircling Taiwan

China Conducts Live-Fire Drills Encircling Taiwan
China’s military carried out a live-fire exercise in the Taiwan Strait, simulating attacks on key infrastructure such as ports and energy facilities, according to an official statement released on Wednesday.

The operation, named "Strait Thunder," marks an escalation of drills initiated on Tuesday around Taiwan—a self-governing island that Beijing considers part of its territory.

In response, Taiwan's presidential office strongly condemned the military activity, labeling it as a provocation. These exercises have become more frequent in recent years as tensions between Taiwan and China continue to rise.

The drills coincide with intensified rhetoric from Beijing against Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te. Chinese state media has referred to Lai as a "separatist" and a "parasite," following his earlier remarks describing China as a "foreign hostile force."

China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) described the exercises as a stern warning against "Taiwan independence" movements. In addition to military maneuvers, the PLA released satirical cartoons depicting Lai in a negative light, along with a video titled "Subdue Demons and Vanquish Evils," comparing China’s military prowess to the mythical Monkey King.

Meanwhile, Chinese state media, including the Communist Party's official newspaper, has published a series of opinion pieces denouncing Lai, calling him a "troublemaker" and a "warmonger." One editorial claimed that "Lai Ching-te is a vicious war maker" and urged the use of force to suppress perceived threats.

Although Beijing has not explicitly stated the reason for this week's exercises, analysts suggest they may be linked to Taiwan’s recent policies aimed at countering Chinese influence and infiltration efforts. However, the drills were likely timed to take place after key diplomatic and economic meetings in China, including President Xi Jinping’s engagements with global business leaders and the Boao Forum, which concluded on March 28.

With global attention currently focused on other geopolitical and economic issues, including trade policies from the United States, China’s military maneuvers have drawn international scrutiny. In response, the White House emphasized the importance of maintaining peace in the Taiwan Strait, while the U.S. State Department reaffirmed its commitment to Taiwan. During a recent visit to Asia, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth condemned China's military aggression and assured continued deterrence efforts in the region.

Some analysts view China’s increasing military drills as a potential rehearsal for a future blockade aimed at pressuring Taiwan into submission. The PLA’s statements suggest a shift toward conducting such operations on a more regular basis rather than as reactions to specific events.

Additionally, experts believe the growing frequency and scale of these exercises are part of Beijing’s broader strategy to psychologically pressure the Taiwanese population into accepting eventual unification. However, public opinion polls consistently indicate strong resistance among Taiwanese citizens to any forced annexation by Beijing.

Taiwanese officials have warned that China may escalate military activities later this year, particularly around significant dates such as the anniversary of Lai taking office or Taiwan’s National Day in October.

Despite the looming threat, Taiwan’s military sees an opportunity in these drills. Officials have stated that each time China conducts such exercises, Taiwan's forces gain valuable intelligence that helps them refine their defense strategies in preparation for any real confrontation.