What's happened
China launched extensive military exercises around Taiwan, firing rockets and deploying ships and aircraft in a show of force. Taiwan condemned the drills as provocative, while China claimed they were necessary for sovereignty. The drills followed US arms sales and regional tensions increased.
What's behind the headline?
The drills highlight China's strategic intent to demonstrate military strength and deter Taiwanese independence. The deployment of over 90 Chinese vessels and 77 aircraft signals a significant escalation in regional military activity. While Beijing states the exercises are necessary for sovereignty, they serve as a warning to external powers and Taiwan itself.
The international response underscores regional unease. Japan, Australia, and the Philippines expressed concern over increased tensions, framing China's actions as destabilizing. The Quad ambassadors' meeting in Beijing reflects a broader effort to maintain a free Indo-Pacific, but China's military posture complicates diplomacy.
Despite the scale, experts believe China is unlikely to escalate to full conflict, fearing reputational damage. The exercises are a calculated display of power aimed at pressuring Taiwan and external actors, but they also risk provoking a regional arms race or miscalculation. The next steps will depend on China's strategic calculus and regional responses, with potential for further military demonstrations or diplomatic engagement.
What the papers say
The articles from NY Post, France 24, and Reuters provide a comprehensive view of China's military exercises around Taiwan. The NY Post emphasizes the show of force and regional concern, quoting Taiwan's defense response and China's claims of sovereignty. France 24 highlights Taiwan's condemnation and regional criticism, including Japan and Australia's concerns. Reuters offers detailed military specifics and contextualizes the exercises within US-Taiwan relations, noting the scale of China's deployment and the strategic messaging behind it. The contrasting tones—China's justification versus regional and Taiwanese condemnation—illustrate the complex geopolitical stakes involved.
How we got here
China's military exercises, dubbed 'Justice Mission 2025,' come amid ongoing tensions over Taiwan's sovereignty. Beijing claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has not ruled out using force. The drills follow a record US arms package to Taiwan and regional security concerns, with China asserting its military capabilities to press its claims.
Go deeper
Common question
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What Are the Key Global Security Risks in 2025-2026?
As tensions rise around the world, understanding the latest developments in regional security is crucial. From military alliances in Africa to China's military drills near Taiwan, these events shape the future of global stability. Here are some of the most pressing questions about current international security issues and what they mean for the world.
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Why Did China Conduct Military Drills Around Taiwan?
China recently launched its largest military exercises around Taiwan, firing rockets and deploying ships and aircraft in a show of force. These drills have raised concerns about regional security and the future of US-China relations. Many wonder what China's intentions are and how these actions impact stability in the Asia-Pacific region. Below, we explore the reasons behind China's military maneuvers and what they mean for the broader geopolitical landscape.
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