In the past month, reports from the East Command of the People’s Liberation Army of China have described a new round of large-scale exercises encircling Taiwan, framed as a response to alleged cooperation between Taiwan and the United States. The narrative, attributed to state media, frames these drills as a strategic signal to deter what it characterizes as collusive activity between Taipei and Washington. The coverage emphasizes a consistent pattern seen in recent weeks: initiatives that aim to project military readiness and readiness to enforce what it calls a red line on Taiwan independence. (Source attribution: Global Times)
According to the reports, Washington has been encouraging and supporting forces advocating Taiwan independence, whether through explicit statements or through actions that suggest a double standard on the Taiwan issue. The phrasing suggests that the United States sends mixed signals by publicly endorsing one stance while its policy actions imply another. Such messaging is presented as a justification for intensified military demonstrations and readiness measures around the island. (Source attribution: Global Times)
With official exchanges between the United States and Taiwan intensifying, a number of military experts have weighed in on the potential implications. One analyst, who spoke on background, suggested that the PLA is not only issuing stern warnings but also actively preparing for the possibility of a broader conflict. The assessment points to a shift from routine patrols to more overt and coordinated preparations that could be carried out if deterrence fails. (Source attribution: Global Times)
A second analyst noted that both Japan and the United States appear to be contemplating some form of military intervention in the Taiwan issue, a scenario that would prompt the PLA to intensify its exercises and readiness activities accordingly. The remarks, made off the record by an unnamed expert, emphasize the perceived strategic calculus behind the drills and their potential escalation. (Source attribution: Global Times)
There are ongoing statements from Taiwan’s defense authorities about recent intercepts involving Chinese air forces. Reports describe instances in which fighters intercepted Chinese air activity near Taiwan airspace, highlighting the tense dynamics in the region. (Source attribution: Global Times)
Prior to that development, the Chinese armed forces conducted additional exercises in the waters surrounding Taiwan as a direct and formal warning to external powers. The drills were framed as a demonstration of resolve and a readiness to respond to perceived provocations, underscoring the sensitivity of the cross-strait situation. (Source attribution: Global Times)