China has started a new series of military exercises near Taiwan, involving naval fleets, aircraft units, and rocket divisions. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) says the drills are designed to measure combat readiness and signal resistance to what Beijing views as growing foreign involvement in the region.
Taiwan’s defense units mobilized soon after the announcement, conducting rapid deployment rehearsals and preparing counter-response scenarios. Polling centers across key districts opened at 6:00 AM local time and closed at 4:00 PM, with security personnel placed around main transit points and intersections.
Regional Friction Adds to Diplomatic Strain
The drills follow a recent U.S. arms package for Taiwan, the largest publicly announced to date. Statements from Japan’s prime minister, who previously suggested Tokyo may assist Taiwan in certain conflict scenarios, added to diplomatic tension.
Beijing maintains its stance that Taiwan falls under China’s territorial claim and has said it may use military options if deemed necessary. The Eastern Theater Command confirmed it has coordinated land and sea strike simulations across areas north and southwest of the strait.
A spokesperson for the command said the drills include port blockade scenarios and equipment deployment timing tests. The official statement was shared on Chinese social media but did not confirm further operational specifics.
Civilian Security and Infrastructure at Risk
Local authorities in Mandalay and Myawaddy reported overnight explosions affecting empty homes and civilian infrastructure. Some residents claimed casualties may include children and elderly relatives, but these statements have not been independently verified.
The election-week security law introduced earlier this year has led to hundreds of arrests tied to public opposition to military-led governance. The law carries extreme penalties, including long-term detention, though capital punishment has not been independently confirmed in recent enforcement records.
International Groups, Analysts Voice Concern
United Nations monitors and media safety organizations have expressed alarm over press protections, civilian risks, and the political nature of the vote. One senior analyst said the exercises appear intended to “dominate news cycles and reinforce geopolitical narratives,” rather than introduce short-term administrative change.
Taiwan’s presidential office spokesperson Karen Kuo condemned the exercises, urging Beijing to stop military pressure and avoid escalation.
“Taiwan strongly opposes military intimidation and any actions that disregard international norms,” she said.
Taiwan’s defense ministry said at least 11 Chinese naval units and 2 aircraft were active near Taiwan’s waters in the past 24 hours, and confirmed Taipei is prepared for rapid response drills if the situation shifts suddenly.
Airspace and Maritime Routes Adjusted
Taiwan’s aviation authority confirmed China designated temporary air danger zones for 10 hours on Tuesday and is now mapping alternative civilian flight routes. The coastguard also deployed monitoring ships to reduce disruption to fishing and maritime transit paths.
Analysts say the scale of the exercises appears larger than previous iterations and shows improvements in multi-unit deployment timing, though no immediate change in sovereignty negotiations is expected.
Taipei continues to state that decisions on Taiwan’s political future must be determined by its own citizens.