Beijing launches military drills around Taiwan

SCMP | March 31, 2025, 8:20 p.m. | Original

The PLA’s Eastern Theatre Command said on Tuesday that it was conducting patrols and simulating air and land strikes around Taiwan. Photo: AP

The People’s Liberation Army launched joint exercises around Taiwan on Tuesday, marking Beijing’s latest warning to the island’s “separatist forces”.

In a statement, Colonel Shi Yi said that the PLA’s Eastern Theatre Command was conducting patrols and exercises that included simulated air and land strikes, as well as control of key passages to test the joint combat readiness of its troops.

“This is a stern warning and a strong deterrent to the separatist forces of Taiwan independence, and is a legitimate and necessary action to defend national sovereignty and safeguard national unity,” Shi said.

Beijing views Taiwan as part of China to be reunited, by force if necessary. Most countries, including the US, do not recognise Taiwan as independent. But Washington is opposed to any attempt to take the island by force and is committed to supplying weapons for its defence.

According to Shi, army, navy, air and rocket forces have been deployed on the multidirectional naval and aerial manoeuvres.

The drill is focused on combat readiness patrols, seizing comprehensive control, striking maritime and land targets, imposing blockades on key areas and routes, and aiming to test the joint operational capabilities of the theatre’s forces, he said.

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