The People's Liberation Army (PLA) launched large-scale military exercises encircling Taiwan on Monday, deploying over 80 naval vessels and 120 aircraft in what Chinese state media described as the biggest show of force since the 2022 crisis triggered by then-US Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit.
Scale of the Exercises
The drills, codenamed "Joint Sword-2026A," involve simulated blockade operations, amphibious assault rehearsals, and long-range missile tests in waters east of Taiwan. Japan's Coast Guard reported Chinese naval vessels operating within 24 nautical miles of its Yonaguni Island, the closest Japanese territory to Taiwan.
Taiwan's military has been placed on full alert, with reservists called up and civilian air traffic rerouted to avoid exercise zones. President Lai Ching-te addressed the nation, calling the exercises "provocative and destabilizing."
International Response
The United States deployed the carrier strike group USS Ronald Reagan to the Philippine Sea in what the Pentagon described as "routine operations." Secretary of State issued a statement calling on Beijing to exercise restraint and maintain the status quo.
"Any unilateral attempt to change the status quo across the Taiwan Strait threatens the peace and prosperity of the entire Indo-Pacific region," the State Department said.
Analysts suggest the exercises are partly a response to Taiwan's recent defense cooperation agreements with Japan and the Philippines. The situation remains fluid, with diplomatic channels reportedly still open between Washington and Beijing.
