Since early 2024, China has significantly increased the scale and frequency of its military exercises near Taiwan, particularly after President Lai Ching-te took office on May 20, 2024. The most recent drills on April 1 and 2, 2025, involved the army, navy, air force, and rocket force, with 71 aircraft, 21 ships, and 4 coast guard vessels operating near Taiwan and in the Western Pacific. The April 2 drill was codenamed “Strait Thunder-2025A.”
These actions are viewed by Beijing as punishment for Taiwan’s pro-independence stance—especially after President Lai declared that Taiwan and China are not subordinate to each other, a position that China strongly opposes. China aims to normalize military pressure, improve cross-branch coordination, and increase psychological and strategic pressure on Taiwan without direct conflict.
Taiwan responded by heightening military readiness, closely monitoring PLA activity, and holding emergency planning sessions. Some Taiwanese lawmakers warned that the drills might turn into actual conflict, while analysts pointed to a long-term “attrition strategy” weakening Taiwan’s defenses.
Public opinion in Taiwan is mixed—though many remain skeptical of a near-term invasion, recent polls show growing concern over PLA activities.
Internationally, countries including the U.S., EU, U.K., Japan, and South Korea expressed strong concern. The U.S. condemned the drills as irresponsible and provocative, while the EU and G7 nations called for dialogue and restraint, rejecting the use of force to alter the status quo in the Taiwan Strait.
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