Published：Jun 21, 08:54Last updated：Jun 25, 12:46

Taiwan Conducts Military Drills Amid Rising China Tensions

Jun. 21, 2026 08:54

Taiwan's military will conduct a five-day combat readiness drill this week, as part of modernization plans to focus on realistic war simulations. The defense ministry announced the drills on Sunday.

Summarized

12News

10Media

Jun. 25, 2026 09:49

On June 25, 2026, Taiwan conducted tabletop military exercises to simulate its response to a potential maritime quarantine by China. National Security Council Deputy Secretary-General Lii Wen highlighted the importance of preparedness during a briefing.

Jun. 25, 2026 12:46

The Chinese Defense Ministry dismissed Taiwan's military exercises as futile attempts to assert independence, warning that such actions heighten tensions. Spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang reaffirmed China's sovereignty over Taiwan and criticized U.S. arms sales to the island, urging adherence to the one-China principle and peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues.

Taiwan has initiated a five-day combat readiness drill, simulating a potential Chinese military attack, as tensions escalate in the region. The exercises, which began on June 22, 2026, focus on realistic war scenarios and rapid deployment capabilities, reflecting Taiwan's efforts to bolster its defenses amid increasing threats from China. The drills include tank patrols and involve locations such as Taipei, Taoyuan, and KaohsiungReuters+3.

🚨 Rising Regional Tensions

The drills come amid near-daily incursions by Chinese air and naval forces, underscoring Taiwan's need to prepare for a potential large-scale invasion. Taiwan's defense minister emphasized the decreasing warning time for an attack, highlighting the urgency of enhancing rapid response capabilitiesRadio France Internationale+2.

🇨🇳 China's Strong Response

China's Defense Ministry criticized Taiwan's authorities for escalating tensions, with spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang asserting that military drills cannot ensure real security. He reiterated China's sovereignty over Taiwan and warned against external interference, particularly from the U.S., urging adherence to the One-China principleChina.org+2.

🛡️ Joint Exercises and Preparedness

Taiwan's exercises coincide with the U.S.-Japan 'Valiant Shield 2026' drills, drawing further criticism from China. National Security Council Deputy Secretary-General Lii Wen emphasized the importance of preparedness during tabletop exercises simulating responses to a potential maritime quarantine by ChinaBloomberg+1.

Lii WenZhang XiaogangTaiwan Defense MinistryPeople's Liberation ArmyDemocratic Progressive Party