The Chinese military conducted long-range live-fire drills in the East China Sea on Wednesday, focusing on precision strikes targeting key ports and energy facilities. These exercises, part of the Strait Thunder-2025A drills, were carried out by the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) Eastern Theater Command. Senior Colonel Shi Yi, the command’s spokesperson, stated that the drills successfully achieved their intended objectives. However, the exact location of the exercises was not disclosed, according to Reuters.

The drills took place a day after China intensified its rhetoric against Taiwan’s President, Lai Ching-te, calling him a "parasite" and further escalating tensions. The exercises also followed joint military operations involving China’s army, navy, air force, and rocket force around Taiwan, as reported by Global Times, a media outlet affiliated with the Communist Party. The timing coincided with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s visit to Asia, during which he reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to countering China’s growing military assertiveness in the region.

As part of these maneuvers, China’s Maritime Safety Administration established a temporary restricted zone for shipping off the northern coast of Zhejiang province, which remained in effect until Thursday night. Though more than 500 kilometers from Taiwan, Taiwanese defense officials confirmed that the area was outside their response zone and did not pose an immediate threat. Taiwan’s Ministry of Defence reported that 76 Chinese aircraft and 15 warships participated in the exercises within the past 24 hours, with some aircraft carrying YJ-21 anti-ship ballistic missiles mounted on H-6K bombers.

The drills have drawn international criticism, with the United States, Japan, and the European Union condemning China’s actions. The U.S. State Department issued a statement warning that Beijing’s aggressive military maneuvers threatened regional security and global stability. Similarly, an EU spokesperson stressed that maintaining the status quo in the Taiwan Strait was essential and condemned any unilateral attempts to alter it through force or coercion.

China has steadily increased military pressure on Taiwan under President Xi Jinping, conducting frequent patrols and large-scale drills to assert its territorial claims. In recent years, Beijing has simulated blockades and encirclements of Taiwan, military strategies that experts believe could be employed in an actual takeover attempt. Following Lai Ching-te’s inauguration last year, China accused him of pushing for independence and launched extensive military exercises in response.

Despite growing military tensions, public opinion in Taiwan remains firm, with most of its 23 million citizens favoring the continuation of their democratic governance rather than integration with mainland China. President Lai has repeatedly urged Beijing to halt its military provocations and emphasized the need for maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters/Florence Lo.