The People's Liberation Army's Eastern Theater Command has initiated large-scale military exercises near the Taiwan Strait, responding to what Beijing calls 'provocative actions' following Washington's approval of an $11.1 billion arms package to the Taiwan region. The deal includes High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) – advanced weapons platforms analysts say could alter regional security dynamics.
Professor Zheng Jiang from Xiamen University's Taiwan Studies Center warned that 'no amount of foreign weaponry can change the ultimate outcome of cross-strait relations.' The drills, occurring during the final days of 2025, demonstrate the PLA's readiness to counter what Chinese officials describe as 'collusion between Taiwan separatists and external forces.'
This development comes as regional governments monitor the situation closely, with business leaders expressing concerns about potential impacts on vital shipping lanes. The Taiwan authorities have yet to issue an official response to the latest exercises, though defense officials reportedly convened emergency meetings earlier this week.
