China launches major military exercise encircling Taiwan
China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) began a large-scale military drill on April 1, 2025, with 19 vessels and over 50 aircraft. Senior Colonel Shi Yi, spokesperson for the PLA Eastern Theatre Command, said the operation comprises ground troops, rocket force, air force, and navy combined forces. The declared goal is to replicate the seizure of air and marine dominance, blockade vital sea lanes, and strike high-value targets.
Beijing labels Taiwan’s president a “parasite”
The Chinese Ministry of National Defence drew international attention by calling Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te a “parasite,” accusing him of endangering regional stability. Chinese state media framed the exercise as a deterrent against “separatist forces” and alleged foreign interference, pointing to growing defence ties between Taipei and Washington.
Weibo videos mock Taiwan’s ageing naval fleet
PLA-linked Weibo accounts shared films mocking Taiwan’s Kidd-class destroyers, labelling them “antiques” and casting doubt on their fighting capacity as part of China’s propaganda campaign. Drill footage includes live-fire exercises and simulated amphibious invasions, thereby emphasising China’s message of military dominance.
Taipei condemns drills, mobilises air and naval assets
In response, the Taiwanese Ministry of National Defence issued a strong condemnation, calling the drills “an irrational provocation.” It confirmed that Chinese naval forces, including the Shandong aircraft carrier, were active off Taiwan’s eastern and southern shores. Taipei deployed fighter jets and surveillance aircraft in a show of readiness.
China Coast Guard joins operation with sea enforcement drills
Alongside the PLA drills, the China Coast Guard launched maritime interdiction and boarding exercises in waters near Taiwan. Spokesperson Ju Anqing justified the action under the “One China Principle,” framing it as a lawful assertion of Chinese territorial jurisdiction.
Timing follows US defence chief’s regional visit
The exercises closely follow US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth’s visit to Asia, during which he reaffirmed military partnerships with Japan and the Philippines while criticising China’s “expansionist aggression.” The timing suggests Beijing’s manoeuvres may serve as a counter-signal to Washington’s regional diplomacy.
Part of a recurring pattern of PLA escalation
This marks the fourth high-profile PLA drill surrounding Taiwan in recent years, following operations in 2022, 2023, and 2024 during periods of heightened political tension. The drills, under the banner Joint Sword, appear to be a long-term strategy to pressure Taipei and reshape cross-strait dynamics.
Analysts warn of sustained coercion campaign
Although China maintains the drills are defensive, analysts interpret them as part of a larger campaign aimed at gradually normalising PLA presence near Taiwan, eroding morale, and deterring future independence efforts.
Author: Özgür Ekşi
