China’s military held a surprise series of long-range live-fire drills in the East China Sea near Taiwan on Tuesday, escalating tensions amid ongoing rhetoric between Beijing and Taipei. The drills, codenamed “Strait Thunder-2025A,” were designed to hone China’s ability to block Taiwan and conduct precision strikes. Taiwan’s defense ministry reported the detection of 76 Chinese warplanes and 15 Chinese military ships around Taiwan in the past 24 hours.

BulletsIn

• China’s military launched “Strait Thunder-2025A” drills near Taiwan on Tuesday.
• Drills focused on improving China’s capability to block Taiwan and conduct precision strikes.
• Taiwan’s defense ministry detected 76 Chinese warplanes and 15 ships in the past 24 hours.
• The military drills involved live-fire exercises in the East China Sea, targeting simulated key ports and energy facilities.
• China’s Eastern Theatre Command reported that the drills achieved their intended objectives.
• Taiwan’s senior security official noted 10 Chinese warships were in Taiwan’s “response zone” on Wednesday morning.
• China’s coast guard was reportedly preparing for “harassment” drills near Taiwan.
• The drills come amid rising tensions between China and Taiwan, especially after Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te’s election.
• Beijing claims Taiwan as its own territory, calling President Lai a “separatist.”
• These drills occur during a visit by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who has criticized Beijing’s actions toward Taiwan.