China’s large-scale drills around Taiwan raise regional alarm and trigger Taipei ‘rapid response’ measures

China conducted expansive military drills around Taiwan that included live-fire activity and maneuvers by naval and air units, in what multiple reports describe as among the largest such exercises to date. Beijing framed the operations as a demonstration of capability and resolve, including scenarios that resemble sealing off or pressuring key access points. Taiwan’s defense authorities said they monitored the activity closely, condemned the drills as destabilizing, and initiated rapid-response measures to ensure forces could move quickly if the situation escalated. The drills also affected aviation and maritime conditions around the island. Reporting indicates the exercises followed renewed friction over U.S.-Taiwan security cooperation and arms support, which Beijing routinely cites as justification for military signaling. International reactions have included warnings that such actions increase the risk of miscalculation in a heavily trafficked region. While large drills have occurred before, the scale and messaging this time have reinforced concerns that China is refining pressure tactics that could be used in a crisis—short of an invasion but severe enough to strain Taiwan’s economy and security posture.

06.01.2026

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/china-taiwan-live-fire-military-drills-rapid-response-exercise/