The Chinese military has announced plans to stage new drills in the waters and airspace surrounding Taiwan. The move is described by Beijing as a direct warning to what it calls 'external forces' interfering in the region, coming on the heels of heightened diplomatic and military tensions with Japan.
Timing and Context of the Announcement
The announcement was made on December 28, 2025. This development follows a period of increased friction between China and Japan over territorial and strategic issues in the East China Sea. Chinese authorities explicitly linked the upcoming exercises to the need to deter foreign intervention, signaling a firm stance on its claim over Taiwan, which it views as a breakaway province.
Strategic Messaging and Regional Implications
Analysts interpret the planned drills as a multifaceted signal. Primarily, they are seen as a demonstration of military readiness aimed at Taipei. Secondly, they serve as a broader caution to other nations, particularly Japan and its allies, against deepening security ties with Taiwan. The use of the term 'external forces' is a standard Chinese diplomatic phrase often referencing the United States and other Western powers that maintain unofficial relations with the island.
The exercises are expected to involve elements of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), potentially including naval and air force assets. Such activities typically include maneuvers in key areas like the Taiwan Strait and zones near the disputed Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands, which are administered by Japan but claimed by China.
Background and Recent Promotions
The announcement coincides with recent high-level military promotions in China. On December 22, 2025, Chinese President Xi Jinping, who also chairs the Central Military Commission, presided over a ceremony promoting officers to the rank of general. Among those promoted were Yang Zhibin of the Eastern Theater Command, which holds responsibility for the Taiwan Strait, and Han Shengyan, commander of the Central Theater Command.
This reshuffle underscores the ongoing modernization and consolidation of command within the PLA under President Xi's leadership. The Eastern Theater Command, in particular, is the primary force that would be involved in any operations concerning Taiwan.
The decision to conduct drills reinforces a pattern of increased Chinese military activity near Taiwan in recent years. Beijing has consistently stated it seeks peaceful reunification but has not renounced the use of force. These actions are likely to raise concerns among regional neighbors and could lead to increased patrols or demonstrations by allied forces in response, potentially raising the risk of miscalculation in one of the world's most volatile flashpoints.
