China says launches military exercises around Taiwan

TAIPEI – China on April 1 sent its army, navy, air and rocket forces to surround Taiwan in large-scale drills that Beijing said were aimed at practising for “precision strikes” and a blockade of the self-ruled island.

Taiwan dispatched its own aircraft and ships, as well as deployed land-based missile systems, in response to the large-scale exercises and accused Beijing of being the world’s “biggest troublemaker”.

The drills come after US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said on March 30 in Japan that the United States would ensure “credible deterrence” across the Taiwan Strait.

China opposes US support for Taiwan, which Beijing insists is part of its territory, and it has threatened to use force to bring it under its control.

Beijing has increased the deployment of fighter jets and naval vessels around Taiwan in recent years to press its claim of sovereignty, which Taipei rejects.

China deployed 21 warships around the island, including the Shandong aircraft carrier group, along with 71 aircraft and four coast guard vessels, Taiwan’s Defence Ministry said.

The number of warships was the highest since May 2024 when 27 navy vessels were reported, according to an AFP tally of the ministry’s daily figures.

Tensions across the 180km-wide Taiwan Strait have escalated since Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te took office in May 2024.

Chinese leaders loathe Mr Lai, who has been more outspoken than his predecessor Tsai Ing-wen in defending Taiwan’s sovereignty.

Mr Lai called China a “foreign hostile force” in March and proposed measures to combat Chinese espionage and infiltration.

The April 1 exercises were aimed at sending a “stern warning and forceful deterrence” to alleged separatists in Taiwan, Beijing said.

They involved “sea-air combat-readiness patrols, joint seizure of comprehensive superiority, assault on maritime and ground targets, and blockade on key areas and sea lanes”, said Senior