Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense on Wednesday reported that China conducted unannounced live-fire military exercises approximately 40 nautical miles off the island’s southwestern coast, near Kaohsiung and Pingtung counties.
The drills involved 32 Chinese military aircraft, including J-11 fighters and KJ-500 early warning aircraft, which crossed the Taiwan Strait’s median line and entered Taiwan’s Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ).
Tensions Soar
⁰Taiwan scrambles navy, air force as China kicks off surprise live-fire drills just 40 miles off Kaohsiung!
⁰32 warplanes spotted—no heads-up, pure provocation, Taipei says.
⁰“A blatant threat to peace!”—regional stakes just spiked! pic.twitter.com/LWyG8e7Ur6
— Beacon Report (@BeaconRNews) February 26, 2025
BREAKING: Taiwan’s defense ministry says China has designated a zone for live-fire exercises roughly 75 kilometers off the coast of Kaohsiung in southern Taiwan. These are unannounced exercises in international waters. #breakingnews #taiwannews #china #taiwan pic.twitter.com/0DHgp4pnEr
— TaiwanPlus News (@taiwanplusnews) February 26, 2025
Taiwan’s defense ministry condemned China’s actions, saying they pose significant risks to international aviation and maritime navigation. In response, the country deployed naval, air, and land forces to monitor and respond to the situation.
The Chinese government confirmed the drills but did not provide detailed information.
The recent military exercises in Taiwan follow unannounced live-fire drills by China near Australia, which caused flight disruptions due to a lack of communication with Australian authorities.
Taiwan’s defense ministry said that China’s recent military activities, including live-fire drills near Australia, “prove that China is the only and biggest threat to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region.”
