Multiple triggers behind China's Taiwan drills

Tuesday 30 December 2025 - 12:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Multiple triggers behind China's Taiwan drills

China's military exercises around Taiwan stem from several key provocations, including a massive US arms package and pointed remarks from regional leaders.

The drills followed Washington's approval of an unprecedented $11 billion weapons deal to Taiwan, featuring $4.05 billion in High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, $4 billion in howitzer guns, drones, and tactical network software. This marks the largest such sale in history, intensifying tensions across the Taiwan Strait.

Beijing also cited recent statements by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who described a potential military move on Taiwan as a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi decried this as evidence of "resurging Japanese militarism" and a direct challenge to China's territorial sovereignty.

Adding to the friction, US President Donald Trump has urged Taiwan to boost defense spending to 10% of GDP, a goal dismissed as unfeasible by Taiwan's premier amid budget limitations. Taiwan aims instead to reach 5% by 2030.

Wang Yi reaffirmed Beijing's commitment to "complete reunification" with Taiwan as an inescapable historical imperative. Taiwan's leadership, however, firmly rejects these sovereignty assertions, insisting that the island's future rests solely with its people.