The Chinese military has launched one of its most expansive operations in the region this year, with large-scale exercises involving air, naval, ground, and missile forces. Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) confirmed that 21 additional warships, led by the aircraft carrier Shandong, entered Taiwan’s response zone on March 30, prompting heightened vigilance from Taipei.
The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels were first detected on March 29, and Taiwanese defense officials have since been monitoring the situation closely. “The #PLA Navy vessels, led by the aircraft carrier Shandong, were detected from March 29th and entered into our response zone yesterday,” the ministry said in a statement. “ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and responded accordingly.”
The deployment is seen as part of Beijing’s broader strategy to exert pressure on Taiwan, reinforcing China’s territorial claims while testing Taiwan’s defense capabilities. The exercises, described by Taipei as part of China’s ongoing “gray-zone” tactics, represent an escalation of military activities that threaten to destabilize the region.
Taiwanese defense officials have characterized the latest drills as part of a pattern of escalating military pressure by China. The MND stated that “PRC continues to escalate military activities in the Taiwan Strait and Indo-Pacific region, intensifying military threats, challenging the international order and regional stability, thereby becoming the greatest ‘troublemaker’ in the eyes of the international community.”
Chinese warplanes and warships frequently conduct operations near Taiwan, but the scale and coordination of the latest maneuvers set them apart. While Beijing has justified such exercises as routine, Taipei sees them as part of a broader effort to wear down Taiwan’s defenses, disrupt normal operations, and apply political pressure.
In response, Taiwan has maintained a measured but firm stance. “The ROC Armed Forces adhere to the principle of ‘no escalation of conflict, no provocation of disputes,’ responding prudently to gray-zone harassment to safeguard national sovereignty and the security of the people,” the ministry stated.
The Shandong, China’s first domestically built aircraft carrier, has previously conducted operations in the western Pacific, but its involvement in a large-scale drill near Taiwan signals a shift in military posturing. The carrier, commissioned in 2019, plays a central role in China’s naval expansion and power projection.
While Beijing has not explicitly stated the objectives of the exercise, military analysts suggest that it serves multiple purposes:
Demonstrating China’s growing naval capabilities
Testing operational coordination between air, naval, ground, and missile forces
Sending a political signal to Taipei and its allies, particularly the United States
No live-fire activities have been reported so far, but Taiwan remains on high alert. Given past trends, further maneuvers could include simulated missile strikes, amphibious landing drills, and airspace incursions.
The latest Chinese military maneuvers have sparked concern in the region and beyond. The United States, which maintains unofficial but strong ties with Taiwan, has repeatedly warned China against aggressive actions. While Washington has not yet issued an official statement regarding the current exercises, past responses have emphasized the need for stability and respect for international norms.
Japan, which has territorial disputes with China and closely monitors Beijing’s military activities, is also expected to respond with diplomatic caution. Given the Shandong’s operations in the western Pacific, Tokyo has expressed concerns about China’s growing influence in the region, particularly its naval power.
In a broader context, China’s military drills near Taiwan come at a time of heightened tensions in the Indo-Pacific, with increased U.S. naval patrols, joint military exercises with allies, and ongoing security discussions in regional forums like the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) involving the U.S., Japan, Australia, and India.
In recent years, Taiwan has been ramping up its military readiness in response to growing Chinese aggression. The government has increased defense spending, strengthened ties with democratic allies, and improved its asymmetric warfare capabilities.
Enhanced early warning and surveillance systems to track PLA movements
Increased joint military exercises with U.S. forces and other allies
Upgraded missile defense systems to counter potential aerial and naval threats
Expanded mandatory military training for Taiwanese citizens
While Taiwan lacks the military size of China, its strategy focuses on resilience, rapid response, and leveraging international support. The Taiwanese military is also modernizing its fleet of fighter jets and naval assets to deter potential aggression.
Beijing’s increased military activity around Taiwan aligns with President Xi Jinping’s long-term goal of unification, whether through coercion, political pressure, or, if necessary, military force. China views Taiwan as a breakaway province, while Taiwan considers itself a sovereign democratic nation.
China’s military modernization efforts, including aircraft carriers, hypersonic missiles, and cyber warfare capabilities, are aimed at deterring U.S. intervention and strengthening Beijing’s ability to control regional disputes. The current exercises reinforce this approach by showcasing China’s ability to coordinate multi-branch military operations.
While China’s latest exercises have not escalated into direct conflict, they serve as a reminder of the fragile state of cross-strait relations. Taiwan’s leadership remains cautious, prioritizing strategic defense and diplomacy, while China continues to push the boundaries of military engagement in the region.
Observers will closely watch for further developments:
- Potential U.S. naval movements in response to Chinese activities
- Taiwan’s next steps in strengthening defense readiness
- China’s future military drills and possible escalation
As tensions persist, Taiwan’s government is likely to seek stronger commitments from allies, while Beijing will continue testing the limits of its military influence. For now, the region holds its breath as Taiwan remains vigilant against Beijing’s growing military presence.
