China Conducts Record Military Drill with 125 Warplanes Around Taiwan, Heightening Regional Tensions

On October 14, 2024, China launched an unprecedented large-scale military drill involving 125 aircraft, including the Liaoning aircraft carrier, in an overt display of power aimed at Taiwan. This exercise follows Taiwan’s National Day celebration, where President Lai Ching-te reaffirmed Taiwan’s stance on sovereignty, directly challenging Beijing’s claims. China’s drills, which simulated the sealing off of strategic ports and encircling Taiwan’s outlying islands, have escalated the long-standing tensions in the Taiwan Strait.

The Taiwan Affairs Office of China framed the drills as a “punishment” for Lai’s continuous advocacy for Taiwan’s independence, which they termed “nonsense.” Taiwan, in response, maintained a defiant stance, asserting its commitment to resist any encroachment on its sovereignty.

Escalating Military Activity in the Taiwan Strait

China’s military activity near Taiwan has significantly increased over the past few years, but the recent deployment of 125 warplanes marks the largest show of force to date. According to Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence, 90 aircraft, including helicopters and drones, were detected within Taiwan’s air defense identification zone (ADIZ) from early morning until late afternoon. This one-day record underlines China’s determination to assert its territorial claims through military presence.

Taiwan’s defense ministry emphasized that shipping traffic remained unaffected, indicating that while tensions were high, daily life and economic activities continued. The ministry also confirmed that Taiwan had deployed its own warships, coastal missile systems, and radar groups to monitor the situation.

Taiwan’s Defiance Amid Growing Threats

Despite China’s show of force, Taiwan’s leadership remained firm. Joseph Wu, Secretary-General of Taiwan’s Security Council, reiterated at a forum in Taipei that Taiwan’s military would appropriately address any threats from China. He emphasized that China’s actions violated the United Nations Charter, which promotes peaceful dispute resolution, and urged Beijing to cease its military provocations.

In addition, Taiwan’s Presidential Office called for an end to military activities that undermine regional peace and stability, reaffirming Taiwan’s democratic values and commitment to freedom.

International Reactions: A Call for Restraint

China’s large-scale military drills quickly garnered international attention. The United States, a key ally of Taiwan, condemned the exercises, calling Beijing’s actions an “unwarranted provocation.” The U.S. State Department spokesperson, Matthew Miller, urged China to act with restraint and avoid actions that could further destabilize the region. While the U.S. does not officially recognize Taiwan as a sovereign nation, it maintains a strong, informal relationship and regularly provides military support.

This latest round of military exercises follows a pattern of similar responses from China during moments of heightened diplomatic friction. In May 2024, shortly after Lai Ching-te’s inauguration, China conducted similar drills, signaling that any moves towards Taiwan’s independence would not be tolerated by Beijing.

Strategic Locations and Objectives of China’s Military Drills

According to a map broadcasted on Chinese state media, six large areas surrounding Taiwan were marked for military operations during the exercise. These locations, primarily focusing on key strategic zones, underscore China’s broader objective to simulate a blockade around the island, restricting Taiwan’s access to critical maritime routes. The presence of the Liaoning aircraft carrier further highlighted the extent of China’s naval capabilities and its ability to project power in the region.

China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) stated that the drills involved the integration of multiple branches of its military, including the navy, army, air force, and missile corps. Senior Captain Li Xi, spokesperson for the PLA Eastern Theater Command, announced the successful completion of the drills on October 14, reiterating that the exercises served as a stern warning to proponents of Taiwan’s independence.

Taiwan’s Military Preparedness

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence provided details of its military response, confirming that warships were positioned at designated ocean locations to monitor Chinese naval activity. On land, Taiwan’s mobile missile and radar units tracked movements, ensuring a rapid response to any potential escalation.

The ministry also noted that Chinese warplanes, while abundant in the skies near Taiwan, did not breach the island’s sovereign airspace—a critical threshold that, if crossed, could lead to severe escalation. Nonetheless, the situation remained tense, as the drills brought Chinese forces perilously close to Taiwan’s defense lines.

A Historical Context of Military Tensions

China’s stance on Taiwan has remained consistent since the two regions split following the Chinese Civil War in 1949. Although Taiwan operates as an independent, democratic nation, China views the island as a breakaway province that must eventually be reunited with the mainland, by force if necessary.

The ongoing military drills are part of a broader strategy by China to pressure Taiwan and signal its readiness for military action if necessary. In recent years, these drills have become a regular occurrence, particularly following diplomatic incidents or moves by Taiwan’s government that challenge Beijing’s claims.

A Continued Show of Defiance by Taiwan’s Residents

On the streets of Taipei, Taiwan’s capital, citizens showed resilience in the face of growing threats. Jeff Huang, a long-time resident, expressed that such military exercises no longer instill fear. “I have been threatened by this kind of thing since I was a child. I am used to it,” Huang said, underscoring a widespread sentiment of defiance among the Taiwanese population.

Another resident, Chang Chia-rui, echoed these sentiments, stating that the drills have little impact on his day-to-day life. “I don’t worry, I don’t panic either,” he said, reflecting the broader determination of Taiwanese citizens to continue their lives despite China’s aggressive posturing.

U.S.-China Relations and the Path Forward

China’s military drills not only target Taiwan but also serve as a broader signal to the United States and its allies. The U.S.’s call for restraint reflects the delicate balance it must maintain in supporting Taiwan while avoiding direct conflict with China, a major global power. Analysts suggest that these recurring drills are part of China’s strategy to normalize military presence around Taiwan, testing the island’s defenses and stretching its military resources over time.

As China continues to escalate its military activities, Taiwan and the international community remain vigilant. While both sides call for peace and stability, the reality is that the Taiwan Strait remains a potential flashpoint in the Indo-Pacific region, with no easy resolution in sight.