On April 2, 2025, the Chinese military initiated new drills in the Taiwan Strait, called “Strait Thunder-2025A.” These exercises focus on military readiness related to blockades and precision strikes. The United States condemned these actions as intimidation, reflecting rising tensions following Taiwan’s recent leadership changes and assertive defense posture.

On April 2, 2025, the Chinese military announced new military drills, named “Strait Thunder-2025A,” in the Taiwan Strait. These exercises, which follow a previous day of maneuvers around Taiwan, aim to test military capabilities related to blockade and precision strikes on key targets. This series of drills underscores China’s insistence on Taiwan’s sovereignty while enraging U.S. authorities, who view these actions as intimidation tactics.

Taiwan’s Defense Ministry has confirmed the continuation of Chinese military exercises, although details remain sparse. The ongoing tensions in the region reflect historical hostilities and the U.S.’s position as Taiwan’s key security ally. Following Taiwan President Lai Ching-te’s comments labeling China a “foreign hostile force,” the U.S. State Department expressed concerns regarding Beijing’s aggressive military posture, stating it heightens regional tensions and risks global safety.

In light of heightened tensions post President Lai’s appointment in May 2024, which included a more assertive defense of Taiwan’s sovereignty than his predecessor, China has increased military presence around the island. The drills also followed a prior aerial and naval encirclement exercise, provoking a swift response from Taipei, which conducted its own “Rapid Response Exercise.”

Beijing has notably amplified its military activity around Taiwan, which it claims as part of its territory, amid a backdrop of U.S. commitments to provide arms to the island while maintaining a stance of strategic ambiguity regarding direct military support in the event of an attack. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized the importance of a “robust, ready and credible deterrence” in the Taiwan Strait during a recent regional visit.

The recent military drills by China in the Taiwan Strait are a clear manifestation of escalating tensions in the region, particularly following Taiwan’s reassessment of its sovereignty under President Lai Ching-te. The United States has condemned these maneuvers as intimidation tactics, while reiterating its commitment to Taiwan’s defense. The situation remains a focal point of geopolitical instability, with a greater possibility of a blockade than a full-scale invasion proposed by analysts.

Original Source: www.thehindu.com

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