China’s latest military drills near Taiwan have caused major disruptions to air travel and increased regional tensions. Helicopters and ships from China’s military have been operating in waters southeast of Taiwan, and Taiwan says it has detected heightened Chinese activity in its airspace and surrounding seas.
On Monday, Taiwan reported that 89 Chinese military aircraft and 28 warships and coastguard vessels were active near the island. This is the highest single-day number of Chinese aircraft near Taiwan since October 15, 2024.
Taiwan’s aviation authorities said that airspace and flight routes would be heavily restricted on Tuesday because of the drills. More than 100,000 passengers on international flights and about 6,000 domestic travellers are expected to be affected. Authorities will either reroute flights or announce alternative paths to keep air traffic safe.
China said the live-fire exercises were meant to simulate a blockade of Taiwan’s key ports. Beijing also warned other countries against supporting Taiwan. The drills follow a new round of arms sales from the United States to Taiwan, which is the island’s main security partner.
A Chinese official warned that outside interference and attempts to support Taiwan’s independence would “push the Taiwan Strait into a perilous situation of imminent war” and claimed such schemes would fail.
The drills show China’s growing assertiveness in the region, and the disruptions highlight how military actions can directly affect civilian life, especially air travel.
