Why China Is Conducting War Games Near Taiwan: Strategic Signals, Pressure Tactics, and Global Implications

Chinese naval and air forces participate in large-scale military exercises near Taiwan, raising concerns across the Indo-Pacific region.

Beijing | Taipei | Washington

China has once again intensified large-scale military exercises near Taiwan, triggering concern across the Indo-Pacific and renewed attention from the United States and its allies. While Beijing describes these maneuvers as “routine drills,” defense analysts say the war games carry deeper strategic, political, and psychological messages.

China’s Core Claim Over Taiwan

At the heart of the issue lies China’s long-standing position that Taiwan is an inseparable part of its territory. Under the “One China” policy, Beijing views any move by Taiwan toward formal independence as unacceptable. Military drills near the island are designed to reinforce this claim and deter what China perceives as separatist tendencies within Taiwan’s leadership.

Response to Taiwan’s Political Direction

China’s exercises often coincide with:

·         Taiwanese elections

·         Statements by Taiwan’s president emphasizing sovereignty

·         Increased diplomatic engagement between Taiwan and Western nations

Beijing uses military pressure as a warning to Taipei’s government, signaling that political defiance will be met with forceful countermeasures.

Strategic Messaging to the United States

China’s war games are also aimed squarely at Washington. The United States is Taiwan’s primary security partner and continues to supply defensive weapons under the Taiwan Relations Act. By conducting drills near Taiwan, China seeks to:

·         Challenge US military presence in the region

·         Test response times of US and allied forces

·         Signal its readiness to escalate if external powers intervene

Recent exercises have included simulated missile launches, naval blockades, and airspace control operations, reflecting realistic conflict scenarios.

Military Readiness and Operational Testing

Beyond signaling, the drills serve a practical military purpose. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) uses these exercises to:

·         Improve joint operations between navy, airforce, and rocket forces

·         Practice encirclement and blockade strategies

·         Test command-and-control systems in real conditions

Defense experts note that the scale and complexity of recent drills suggest preparation rather than symbolism.

Domestic Politics and Nationalism

Inside China, strong posturing on Taiwan boosts nationalist sentiment. At a time when China faces economic slowdown and internal challenges, demonstrating strength on a sensitive sovereignty issue helps consolidate domestic support for the leadership.

Psychological Pressure on Taiwan

China’s strategy also includes psychological and economic pressure. Frequent drills aim to:

·         Wear down Taiwan’s military readiness

·         Create uncertainty among investors

·         Influence public opinion within Taiwan

This approach, often described as “grey-zone warfare,” allows China to apply pressure without triggering a full-scale war.

Is a Conflict Imminent?

Most analysts believe an immediate invasion is unlikely. A war over Taiwan would carry enormous risks, including:

·         Direct conflict with the US and Japan

·         Severe economic fallout for China and the global economy

·         Disruption of global semiconductor supply chains

For now, Beijing appears to favor intimidation, gradual escalation, and strategic signaling over direct military action.

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Global Implications

Any escalation around Taiwan has far-reaching consequences:

·         Disruption of key shipping lanes

·         Volatility in global markets

·         Heightened military tensions across East Asia

As China continues its drills, regional powers remain on high alert, closely watching whether military pressure shifts into something more permanent.

 

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