China's military conducted long-range live-fire drills in the East China Sea on Wednesday as part of its ongoing military exercises around Taiwan. These drills, which aimed to practice precision strikes on key ports and energy facilities, were an escalation of China's military activities in the region. While the exact location of the exercises was not disclosed, the Chinese Eastern Theatre Command confirmed that the drills were part of the larger Strait Thunder-2025A exercise.
The live-fire exercises follow a rise in Chinese rhetoric targeting Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, who was recently branded a "parasite" by China. The drills coincide with a visit to Asia by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, during which he repeatedly criticized Beijing’s aggressive stance toward Taiwan. China views Taiwan, which is governed democratically, as part of its own territory, and has consistently denounced President Lai as a "separatist." Lai, who took office last year, rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims and insists that Taiwan’s future should be decided by its people alone.
While the drills involved precision strikes on simulated targets such as ports and energy infrastructure, the Chinese military did not provide further details on the specific locations of these actions. China's Maritime Safety Administration also issued a warning about a closed zone for shipping in the eastern Zhejiang province, located more than 500 kilometers (310 miles) from Taiwan. Taiwan's defense officials, however, noted that this zone was outside of Taiwan's "response zone."
Taiwan's defense ministry reported that more than 76 Chinese aircraft and 15 warships were involved in military activities near Taiwan on Wednesday morning, with Chinese coast guard forces conducting "harassment" drills. A senior Taiwanese security official confirmed the presence of more than 10 Chinese warships in Taiwan's "response zone."
In response to China's growing military presence, Taiwan has denounced the drills, and the Taiwan Mainland Affairs Council urged caution regarding travel to China, Hong Kong, and Macau, given the escalating tensions.
China’s recent military actions, including the ongoing exercises, are part of a broader strategy to exert pressure on Taiwan, which it considers a breakaway province. The international community remains on edge as these developments signal an increase in military activities and diplomatic tensions in the region.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)