Taipei: Taiwan's military is on high alert, initiating combat readiness drills after spotting Chinese warships and coast guard vessels near its waters. The drills are a direct response to Beijing's military restricting airspace off its coast, according to Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND).
The MND said the exercises were triggered by China's military actions, which are being closely monitored for potential threats. The drills take into account the enemy's capabilities, weather conditions, and strategic positioning. "Our forces are on high alert," the ministry stated in an announcement.
Recent tensions stem from the speculation that China might conduct military exercises following Taiwan President Lai Ching-te's visit to the Pacific last week, which included stops in the United States. The MND also reported spotting Chinese naval formations from the PLA's Eastern, Northern, and Southern Theater Commands, alongside coast guard vessels around the Taiwan Strait and Western Pacific. However, there was no immediate confirmation of these actions from Chinese state sources or the PLA.
Taiwan, which considers itself a sovereign state with its own government and military, has long been at odds with Beijing. China views Taiwan as part of its territory and has not ruled out using force to assert control over the island. This latest tension follows President Lai's meeting with U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson in Guam on Thursday, marking the highest-level contact between Taiwan and the U.S. during Lai's week-long trip. This sparked criticism from Beijing.
In a statement, China’s foreign ministry warned Taiwan that relying on the U.S. for independence would "inevitably hit a wall" and urged Washington to stop interfering in Taiwan's affairs.
When asked about the possibility of increased military drills from China following his trip, President Lai expressed that "raising your fists is not as good as opening your hands." He emphasized that no amount of military pressure could earn China's respect from other nations.
Taiwan's coast guard also reported detecting "unusual movements" of seven Chinese coast guard ships since last Friday, the day President Lai returned to Taipei. His overseas tour, the first since he took office in May, was aimed at strengthening Taiwan's ties in the Pacific, where China has been working to isolate the island by persuading its diplomatic allies to switch allegiance.
Amid the growing tensions, Taiwan continues to rely on arms support from the U.S., including a recent approval of $385 million in military aid, which includes F-16 spare parts, radar systems, and communication equipment. During his U.S. visit, Lai stressed the importance of joint efforts to "prevent war," warning that there are "no winners" in conflicts.
China has conducted two large-scale military drills around Taiwan since Lai assumed office and frequently sends fighter jets and naval ships near the island as part of its territorial claims. Lai's firm stance on defending Taiwan’s sovereignty has drawn Beijing’s ire, with Chinese authorities labeling him a "separatist."
China's Military Activity Near Taiwan Increases: 15 Aircraft and 7 Ships Detected