This frame grab from video taken on March 31, 2025 and released by the Taiwan Defense Ministry on April 1, 2025 shows Chinese military vessels in waters off Taiwan. Handout / TAIWAN DEFENSE MINISTRY / AFP

China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) holds its large scale drill participated by army, navy, air and rocket forces surrounding Taiwan for what Beijing called practicing for a “precision strikes” and a blockade of the self-ruled island.

For its part, Taiwan deployed its own aircraft and ships, and land-based missile systems, in response to the exercises and accused Beijing of being the world’s “biggest troublemaker”.

The drills come after US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in Japan that the United States would ensure “credible deterrence” across the Taiwan Strait.

China opposes US support for Taiwan, which Beijing insists is part of its territory and has threatened to use force to bring it under its control.

Beijing has increased the deployment of fighter jets and naval vessels around Taiwan in recent years to press its claim of sovereignty, which Taipei rejects.

China had deployed 19 warships around the island in the 24 hours to 6:00 am (2200 GMT Monday), including the Shandong aircraft carrier group, Taiwan’s defense ministry said.

Tensions across the 180-kilometre (112-mile) Taiwan Strait have escalated since Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te took office in May 2024.

Chinese leaders loathe Lai, who has been more outspoken than his predecessor Tsai Ing-wen in defending Taiwan’s sovereignty.

Lai last month called China a “foreign hostile force” and proposed measures to combat growing Chinese espionage and infiltration.