Name: Taiwans forces on alert as China launches military drills
Uploaded: 2025-12-30T05:36:31.090Z
Duration: 2 min 12 s
Description: The Taiwanese government says it has placed its forces on alert as China intensifies its military presence in the Indo-Pacific Ocean and launches air, navy and rocket drills around the island.

The Taiwanese government says it has placed its forces on alert as China intensifies its military presence in the Indo-Pacific Ocean and launches air, navy and rocket drills around the island.

Taipei City

China has initiated extensive military exercises around Taiwan, involving 89 aircraft, drones, and dozens of naval vessels. Beijing describes the drills as a warning against separatist forces and foreign interference, reaffirming its claim over Taiwan. In response, Taiwan has placed its military on high alert and called for restraint from China, rejecting Beijing's sovereignty claims.

The exercises follow the announcement of an $11 billion U.S. arms sale to Taiwan, which has drawn criticism from China. Experts suggest the drills are also intended as a signal to the U.S., highlighting China's military capabilities in the region. China has indicated that the drills will continue, with some airspace around Taiwan being closed.

Taiwan's forces on alert as China launches military drills

By land, air, and sea, China is showing off its military might, releasing footage of a major exercise around Taiwan, its first in the region since April. Taiwanese defense officials say they counted 89 aircraft and drones, along with dozens of Navy ships, warships, and Coast Guard vessels. Beijing has long claimed Taiwan as part of its territory, and says these latest drills are a warning against what it describes as separatist forces and external interference. A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said, the Taiwan issue is the core of China's core interests, and China's resolve to safeguard national sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity is unwavering. Taiwan says its military is on high alert. The democratically governed island rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims. We call on the Chinese authorities to act rationally and with self-restraint. To immediately cease irresponsible, provocative behavior, said a spokesperson for Taiwan's presidential office. Earlier this month, the U.S. announced an $11 billion arms sale to the island, angering Beijing. Experts say these latest drills could also be a signal to the Trump administration. The message to the U.S. is very significant and also simple, is that China now has the capability to impose total control in the areas around Taiwan whenever it wants to. Relations between the Trump administration and China have been rocky. For months, the two sides were embroiled in a trade war. In October, they agreed to a truce. Trump is now expected to visit China in April. The Chinese side will continue to try to emphasize to the U.S. that, you know, there are ways for U.S. and China to coexist. But one of the red lines that Washington should not cross is to increase support and also engagement with Taiwan. For now, China says the drills will continue, with some airspace around Taiwan set to be shut down. Caroline Bargute, CBC News, London.

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