Following the US approval of its largest – ever package of advanced weapons to Taipei, the war games simulate a blockade of major ports
On Monday, China initiated large – scale live – fire military drills around Taiwan. In a multi – day operation, warships, fighter jets, and artillery were deployed shortly after Washington gave the green light to its largest – ever arms sale to the island.
According to China’s media and defense ministry, the ‘Joint Sword – 2025A’ war games carried out by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) simulate a blockade of key ports, precision strikes on maritime targets, and scenarios to counter external interference.
“The exercises center on joint sea – air combat – readiness patrols, joint seizure of comprehensive battlefield control, and joint precision strikes on key targets,” a military spokesman stated, presenting the operations as “necessary for defending national sovereignty.”
Taiwan reported that China’s coast guard vessels were also conducting “law enforcement inspections” near its outlying islands. Taipei has criticized the exercises and released footage showing off its arsenal, which includes US – supplied HIMARS rocket systems that can reach China’s Fujian province. Taiwan’s coast guard has dispatched larger vessels to monitor Chinese patrols and is coordinating with the military to reduce disruptions to shipping and fishing.
The drills started just 11 days after Washington announced an $11.1 billion arms sales package to Taiwan – the largest ever for the island. This package covers eight separate purchases, including 82 HIMARS rocket systems and 420 ATACMS missiles worth over $4 billion, along with anti – tank missiles, loitering munitions, howitzers, military software, and spare parts.
Encouraged by Washington, Taiwan has increased its arms purchases in recent years. Although the US officially adheres to the One – China policy, it continues to supply arms to Taiwan and maintain military ties with the Taipei government.
Taiwan has been self – governed since 1949, when nationalist forces retreated there after losing the Chinese Civil War. While a small number of countries maintain official diplomatic relations with the self – governing island, the majority of the international community, including major powers like Russia, follows Beijing’s One – China policy, which designates Taiwan as a province of China. The United Nations also regards Taiwan as part of Chinese territory.
China, which views the self – governing island as part of its territory, condemned the US arms sale as a “dangerous act” that violates its sovereignty. Beijing has urged Washington to abide by the One – China principle and “immediately stop arming Taiwan.” While insisting on its goal of “peaceful reunification,” China has warned that it will use force if Taiwan formally declares independence.