Archive · 3 Jan 2026
China Conducts Military Drills Near Taiwan
China held big military exercises around Taiwan, which the US said made things more tense.
The US asked China to stop and talk instead.
Taiwan said the exercises were very aggressive.
China says Taiwan is part of its country and has threatened to take it by force.
The US supports Taiwan's defense but hasn't said if it would help in a fight.
These exercises are part of a series that started after a US official visited Taiwan in 2022.
The US also recently gave Taiwan $11 billion for weapons.
Taiwan detected multiple Chinese naval vessels, official ships, and balloons operating around the island.
The US warned China against escalating tensions and called for restraint.
China conducted military drills around Taiwan, simulating a blockade of its ports.
The US criticized the drills, calling them unnecessary and urging China to exercise restraint.
Taiwan condemned the exercises as 'highly provocative'.
China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has threatened to use force to annex it.
The US supports Taiwan's self-defense but remains ambiguous about direct military intervention.
- Who
- China, United States, Taiwan
- What
- China conducted military drills around Taiwan, simulating a blockade of its ports.
- When
- Monday and Tuesday this week
- Where
- Around Taiwan's main island
- Why
- In response to US arms package to Taiwan and to simulate a blockade of Taiwanese ports
China's Perspective
US and Taiwan's Perspective
Military Exercises
China's Perspective
China views the drills as necessary to defend its territorial claims and deter foreign interference.
US and Taiwan's Perspective
The US and Taiwan see the exercises as provocative and escalatory, raising tensions in the region.
Status Quo
China's Perspective
China believes it has the right to unify Taiwan by force if necessary.
US and Taiwan's Perspective
The US opposes any unilateral attempt to alter the status quo through force or coercion.
- Country Involved
- China, United States, Taiwan
- Date of Drills
- Monday and Tuesday this week
- US Response
- Urged restraint and dialogue
- Taiwan's Response
- Condemned as 'highly provocative'
- US Arms Package
- $11 billion
- US Policy
- Supports Taiwan's self-defense, ambiguous on military intervention
- China's Claim
- Taiwan is part of its territory
- Previous Drills
- Sixth major round since 2022
- Chinese Vessels Detected
- Six PLAN vessels, one official ship, and two balloons
- Chinese Aircraft Sorties
- Three sorties, one crossed the median line
Sources
China Military Drills Near Taiwan Unnecessarily Raise Tensions: US
China's 'war games' around Taiwan 'unnecessarily' raise tensions: US
‘Cease military pressure’: US urges restraint, calls China’s military drills near Taiwan ‘unnecessary’
US cautions China over drills surrounding Taiwan
Is This China’s New War Tactic? Strategic Ambiguity Playbook On Taiwan, Why India Can’t Ignore It
US cautions China over drills surrounding Taiwan
US warns Beijing as Chinese vessels encircle Taiwan
