China Surrounds Taiwan With Warships After $11bn U.S. Arms Deal

China deployed warships, fighter jets and artillery units in its largest-ever military exercises around Taiwan on Tuesday.

The exercise simulated a full blockade of the self-governed island in what China’s foreign ministry described as a “severe punishment” for forces seeking Taiwan independence.

It also warned outside powers against “using Taiwan to contain China”.

The drills, codenamed “Justice Mission 2025,” escalated tensions in Taiwan days after the United States approved an $11bn arms package for the country.

It involved the army, navy, air force and rocket force, and included live-fire exercises, simulated strikes on land and sea targets, and coordinated operations to seal off Taiwan’s main ports and surrounding airspace.

China’s Eastern Theater Command, which oversees operations in the Taiwan Strait, said the exercises are aimed at deterring what it called “separatist forces” on the island and “external interference”.

State media released footage showing Chinese warships, fighter jets and artillery units mobilising, alongside maps indicating multiple drill zones encircling Taiwan.

China’s Maritime Safety Administration designated a record seven live-fire zones for Tuesday’s exercises, covering a larger area and operating closer to Taiwan than in previous drills.

The drills come less than two weeks after the United States announced what it described as its largest-ever weapons package for Taiwan, valued at about $11.1bn, prompting strong protests from China and sanctions against US defence companies.

The timing of the drill shows China’s intent to send a clear signal to both Taiwan and the United States.

Taiwan’s presidential office condemned the drills, calling them a challenge to regional stability and international norms. The island’s defence ministry said it detected dozens of Chinese military aircraft and vessels operating around Taiwan on Monday and placed its forces on high alert, deploying aircraft, naval units and missile systems to monitor the situation.

“Our armed forces are prepared for the worst and must consider every possible scenario,” a senior Taiwanese defence official said, adding that live-fire exercises around the Taiwan Strait pose risks not only to Taiwan but also to neighbouring countries and international shipping and aviation.

Taiwan’s aviation authority said it was working to reroute flights after China declared temporary danger zones in airspace near the island, while the coast guard deployed large patrol vessels to shadow Chinese ships operating close to Taiwan’s waters.

China has accused Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te of pursuing independence, an allegation he rejects.

Lai maintains that Taiwan is already a sovereign nation and has repeatedly said his administration seeks to maintain the status quo while strengthening the island’s defences. In a recent interview, he said peace depended on “real strength” and raising the cost of any potential invasion.

According to Reuters, polls consistently show that most people in Taiwan favour maintaining the current situation, neither unifying with China nor formally declaring independence.

Since 2022, China has stepped up military pressure on Taiwan, frequently staging large-scale drills in response to developments it views as provocative, including high-level US visits and closer security ties between Taiwan and America.

This latest round marks the sixth major set of exercises since then and the first under the new commander of the Eastern Theater Command, Yang Zhibin.

Chinese state media said the drills also aim to demonstrate China’s ability to cut Taiwan off from external support in the event of conflict, with particular focus on blocking deep-water ports and key supply routes.

The military also released promotional material depicting advanced systems such as drones and robotic platforms, highlighting growing operational readiness.