What's happened
China has conducted extensive military exercises near Taiwan, including missile launches and naval deployments, amid rising tensions. Taiwan's layered defenses and US support remain robust, but experts highlight gaps in China's military capabilities and command structure. The situation continues to escalate as both sides prepare for potential conflict.
What's behind the headline?
China's military exercises serve multiple strategic purposes. They act as a show of force to assert sovereignty claims and test Taiwan's defenses, while also aiming to sway international opinion. However, the exercises reveal significant gaps in China's joint operational capabilities, electronic warfare, and command structure, which could limit their effectiveness in a real conflict. Taiwan's layered defenses and US support act as deterrents, but the risk of miscalculation remains high. The recent escalation suggests China is testing the limits of regional and international responses, with the potential for conflict increasing if diplomatic or military pressures continue to mount. The US's demonstration of air dominance underscores its commitment to regional stability, but also highlights the risk of escalation if tensions persist.
What the papers say
The Japan Times reports that China's military drills are the most extensive to date, with rockets fired towards Taiwan and a large naval and air deployment, framing the exercises as a nationalist response to domestic issues. Reuters highlights Taiwan's layered defenses and the US's recent air operations, emphasizing gaps in China's military readiness. Both sources note China's ongoing hybrid warfare tactics, including cyberattacks and disinformation, which have increased significantly, with attacks rising 113% in 2025. While China denies involvement in hacking, Taiwan attributes these cyber activities to Beijing's strategic pressure. The contrasting perspectives reveal China's intent to project strength while exposing its operational limitations, and Taiwan's efforts to bolster resilience against hybrid threats.
How we got here
Over recent years, China has ramped up military and political pressure on Taiwan, including daily drills, disinformation campaigns, and cyberattacks. Beijing claims Taiwan as its territory and has not ruled out force. Taiwan has bolstered its defenses, notably with the 'T-Dome' system, and conducts regular military exercises. The US and allies support Taiwan's sovereignty, complicating the regional security landscape.
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Common question
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Why Is China Conducting Military Drills Near Taiwan?
China's recent large-scale military exercises near Taiwan have raised global concerns. These drills involve missile launches, naval deployments, and show China's growing military assertiveness. But what are China's real motives, and what could this mean for regional stability? Below, we explore the reasons behind these drills, their implications, and how neighboring countries are responding.
More on these topics
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Taiwan, officially the Republic of China, is a country in East Asia. Neighbouring countries include the People's Republic of China to the northwest, Japan to the northeast, and the Philippines to the south.