China’s Military Puts Taiwan on Notice: Largest Drill Since May After ‘One China’ Rejection

According to Japan’s NHK, China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) announced plans for large-scale military exercises around Taiwan on Monday.

The PLA stated that the drills would involve naval, air, and rocket forces in the waters and airspace surrounding Taiwan. This marks the first major military exercise in the area since May.

The PLA described the exercise as a warning to forces advocating for Taiwanese independence, calling it a “legitimate and necessary” action to defend China’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Kyodo News interpreted the drills as a response to recent remarks by Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, who reiterated Taiwan’s rejection of the One China principle last week. During Taiwan’s National Day celebrations, Lai stated that “the People’s Republic of China has no right to represent Taiwan,” prompting a sharp backlash from Beijing.