China conducts new military drills near Taiwan, testing ‘blockade and control’ strategies.

Beijing, April 2 — China’s military announced new exercises today in sensitive waters near Taiwan, following drills launched a day earlier to encircle the self-ruled island that Beijing claims as its own.

According to Senior Colonel Shi Yi, spokesman for the Eastern Theater Command, the exercises in the strategically important Taiwan Strait aim to test the military’s capabilities in areas such as “blockade and control” and “precision strikes on key targets.”

The drills are taking place in the central and southern parts of the strait, a vital global shipping route, the military stated.

These latest exercises follow China’s deployment of its army, navy, air, and rocket forces around Taiwan yesterday, prompting Taipei to respond with its own forces.

In recent years, Beijing has ramped up its deployment of fighter jets and naval vessels near Taiwan to assert its sovereignty claim—one that Taipei firmly rejects.

Taiwan remains a potential flashpoint between China and the United States, its key security partner. Beijing opposes Washington’s support for Taipei and insists the island is part of its territory, warning that it could take control by force if necessary.

Tensions in the Taiwan Strait have risen since Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te took office in May 2024. — AFP