China Fires Rockets Near Taiwan in Largest Drills to Date; Trump Downplays Risk

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent

BEIJING/TAIPEI/WASHINGTON (Worthy News) – China fired rockets and conducted its largest live-fire military drills to date around Taiwan, sharply escalating tensions as Beijing demonstrated its ability to encircle the island, according to Chinese and regional defense officials.

China’s military said the exercises included rocket launches, naval maneuvers, and air force operations aimed at testing combat readiness and deterring what it described as separatist activity.

Taiwan’s defense ministry condemned the drills as highly provocative, saying it was closely monitoring Chinese movements and had activated appropriate defensive measures.

Taiwanese officials said China fired 27 rockets into surrounding waters and deployed dozens of aircraft and vessels in what amounted to a simulated blockade.

The drills, dubbed “Justice Mission 2025,” were the sixth major round of Chinese war games around Taiwan since 2022, and the largest by area and closest to the island so far, officials said.

TRUMP DOWNPLAYS CONCERNS

U.S. President Donald J. Trump responded by downplaying concerns over the Chinese military action.

Trump told reporters he was “not worried” about the drills and said he did not believe they would escalate into open conflict. He also said he maintains a “very good relationship” with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The White House announced no immediate change in U.S. military posture.

Japan’s defense ministry said some projectiles landed close to its maritime security zone, calling the drills a serious concern for regional stability. Taiwan said several domestic flight routes were affected, though international flights continued.

China claims democratically-ruled Taiwan as part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to bring it under Beijing’s control. Taiwan rejects those claims and insists it is already sovereign.

The drills follow a record $11.1 billion U.S. arms package to Taiwan and come amid growing Western warnings that miscalculation in the Taiwan Strait could trigger a broader conflict in one of the world’s most sensitive geopolitical flashpoints.

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