The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China has commenced large-scale military exercises around Taiwan, involving land, naval, and air forces.
The stated objective of the operation is to simulate conditions for a blockade of the island, amid increasing warnings from Beijing that Taiwan’s aspirations for independence may lead to open conflict.
According to the spokesperson for the PLA’s Eastern Theatre Command, the Chinese forces are advancing towards Taiwan from multiple directions. The spokesperson described the manoeuvres as both “legal” and “necessary” to defend China’s sovereignty and national unity.
The drills come amid a period of heightened tensions not only with Taiwan, but also with the United States. The Eastern Command has stated that the exercises serve as a clear signal not only to Taipei, but also to Washington, reflecting Beijing’s resolve to prevent any unilateral declaration of independence by the island.
The operation is interpreted by analysts as a direct challenge to the new administration of President Donald Trump, who returned to the White House earlier this year. Trump’s defence doctrine, which identifies China as the primary strategic threat to the United States, places high emphasis on countering any military move by Beijing against Taiwan.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, who also serves as the General Secretary of the Communist Party and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, is reported to have personally authorised the exercises. Military observers note that a blockade, even in simulated form, is considered a potential precursor to broader operations aimed at asserting control over Taiwan, which has never been governed by the Communist Party of China.
Xi’s actions suggest that Beijing does not intend to accommodate pressure from the United States and appears undeterred by combative rhetoric from President Trump. Despite speculation about a potential meeting between Xi and Trump, no such visit has materialised. Trump had invited Xi to attend his inauguration, but Beijing declined the offer. While subsequent discussions have alluded to ongoing efforts to arrange talks between the two leaders, Xi has so far refrained from travelling to the United States.
Amid speculation over an impending economic confrontation, Trump is expected to adopt a tariff-based approach targeting China. Beijing, for its part, appears to be preparing a multi-dimensional response. Given current economic conditions within China, a direct trade confrontation may not be imminent. However, Beijing’s actions in the military and political spheres indicate a preference for strategic positioning over immediate economic retaliation.
The exercises off Taiwan’s coast are the first overt indication of this shift. Should the United States refrain from responding, doubts may emerge over Washington’s willingness to act in the event of a real attempt by Beijing to assert control over the island.
Simultaneously, China is pursuing diplomatic engagements in the Asia-Pacific region. Ministers from China, Japan, and South Korea are reportedly resuming discussions on a long-stalled free trade agreement. These talks, ongoing for more than a decade, had previously failed to progress due to Tokyo and Seoul’s alignment with Washington and wariness of Chinese influence.
The renewed momentum is viewed as a sign of diminishing American economic influence in the region. Observers point to Trump’s withdrawal from several multilateral trade frameworks as a contributing factor. His administration’s unpredictability in foreign and economic policy has led regional partners to reassess their strategic orientations.
As the United States appears to retreat from its traditional role as a dependable economic partner in the Asia-Pacific, Beijing is positioning itself as a more consistent alternative. This strategic recalibration is likely to extend beyond Asia. European governments, too, are witnessing increased Chinese engagement, particularly in trade and infrastructure investment, framed as more stable and lucrative than what Washington currently offers.
The current military demonstration near Taiwan, coupled with economic and diplomatic initiatives in the region, signals a broader strategic approach by Xi Jinping’s administration. Rather than responding directly to each of President Trump’s policy shifts, Beijing appears to be adopting a long-term strategy aimed at reshaping global perceptions of China’s reliability and influence.
As the risk of a trade war continues to loom, these military exercises could be interpreted as part of a broader effort to counterbalance American pressure and to project strength and stability in a region increasingly uncertain of the United States’ role.
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