China’s recent surge in military activities around Taiwan has significantly heightened regional tensions, drawing international concern over the potential for open conflict.
At a Glance
- China’s Military Flights Near Taiwan Rose 300%
- PLA Conducted Massive Joint Drills in April 2025
- Taiwan Strengthens Defense Amid Rising Threats
Escalation of Military Activities
Since President Lai Ching-te took office in May 2023, China has sharply increased its military presence near Taiwan. According to NBC News, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) violated Taiwan’s air defense identification zone 1,085 times between May and November 2023—compared to just 335 in the same period the previous year.
These operations are widely viewed as an attempt to intimidate Taiwan while showcasing China’s growing military power. This culminated in April 2025, when China conducted large-scale drills involving navy, air, ground, and rocket forces around the island. The PLA deployed the aircraft carrier Shandong and 19 naval vessels, which Taiwan actively tracked, in what China’s Eastern Theater Command described as a “severe warning” against Taiwan independence.
Watch AP News’s report on the incident at China launches military drills in Taiwan Strait.
Strategic Implications and International Reactions
Beijing’s maneuvers align with a long-term strategy to pressure Taiwan into unification without direct conflict. U.S. intelligence assessments, as highlighted by NBC News, warn that China could be preparing for a potential invasion by 2027. Admiral Samuel Paparo and Gen. Kevin Schneider have both underscored the gravity of this military escalation.
The U.S. State Department has condemned China’s actions, with spokesperson Tammy Bruce stating that they are “escalatory and destabilizing,” according to The Hill. The drills also included aggressive messaging campaigns, including videos mocking Taiwan’s president, as part of a psychological pressure strategy.
Meanwhile, Chinese embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu defended the maneuvers, stating that the PLA’s drills are a “necessary and legitimate move” to counter Taiwan independence forces and deter foreign provocations, as reported by NBC News.
Taiwan’s Defensive Measures
In response, Taiwan has moved to strengthen its national defense. These actions include reinforcing air defenses, investing in drone and missile capabilities, and tightening immigration rules for Chinese nationals. According to The Hill, Taiwan has also reinstated military trials for espionage and national security cases.
Taiwan’s strategy—often referred to as the “porcupine approach”—prioritizes asymmetric warfare tactics that focus on mobility, survivability, and deterrence. These methods are designed to make any invasion attempt by the PLA costly and difficult, including the deployment of mobile missile launchers and low-cost drones.
As tensions continue to rise in the Taiwan Strait, the international community remains on alert. The United States and its allies have reaffirmed their commitment to Taiwan, warning that any attempt to alter the status quo through force will have serious geopolitical consequences.
