China has launched a military drill around Taiwan, involving joint exercises by its army, navy, and rocket forces. The Chinese military also labeled Taiwan’s President, Lai Ching-te, a “parasite,” a term criticized by Taiwan as unhelpful to peace efforts.
In response, Taiwan deployed military aircraft and ships. The drills, which began on April 1, 2025, are described by China as a stern warning against Taiwan’s independence and a demonstration of strong resistance.
These exercises come after Taiwan’s President recently referred to Beijing as a “foreign hostile force.” China views Taiwan as part of its territory and has never ruled out using force to reunify it. The Chinese military has also depicted President Lai as a cartoon insect, with chopsticks placed over a burning Taiwan, mocking him for his pro-independence stance.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense reported that the Chinese Shandong aircraft carrier group entered Taiwan’s reaction zone on April 1, prompting Taiwan to send military assets and activate land-based missile systems. Taiwan also condemned China’s growing military activities in the region.
Taiwan, which became de facto independent after the Chinese Civil War in 1949, considers itself a sovereign state, while Beijing insists on reunification.