China Responds Strongly to Criticism Amidst Taiwan Drill De-escalation

China has strongly criticized Western nations for their remarks regarding its extensive military drills around Taiwan, which appear to be concluding. The Chinese embassy in London emphasized that the Taiwan issue is an “internal affair,” asserting that “no country is entitled to make irresponsible comments” about the exercises. This statement followed the UK’s condemnation of the two-day military activities, which included rocket launches, stating that they “increase cross-strait tensions and the risk of escalation.”

The European Union and several other Western countries have also voiced their disapproval of Beijing’s actions. The EU urged China to “exercise restraint and avoid any actions that may further escalate tensions,” while opposing “any unilateral actions that change the status quo.” Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry expressed gratitude for the support, thanking the EU, UK, France, Germany, Australia, and New Zealand for their concerns regarding the drills.

The ongoing verbal exchanges coincide with the apparent conclusion of the People’s Liberation Army’s exercises, although China has yet to make an official announcement. Typically, such drills around Taiwan last one or two days, with some exceptions. This particular series of maneuvers was notable for its encroachment into a critical area surrounding Taiwan. For the first time, Chinese ships crossed into Taiwan’s 24-nautical mile contiguous zone, and PLA rockets landed within this boundary. This demarcation is significant, as it is where Taiwan enforces its laws regarding taxes, immigration, and environmental regulations.

According to an official from the Taiwanese Coast Guard, Chinese Coast Guard vessels involved in the drills are gradually moving away from Taiwan. The official, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the issue, stated that Taiwan continues to closely monitor the movements of these vessels.

In another sign that military activity is diminishing, Taiwan reported spotting only 35 planes crossing into sensitive areas within a 24-hour period leading up to early Wednesday, a decrease from 90 in the previous timeframe. The Defense Ministry in Taipei indicated that it would provide updates if new information arises.

Zhang Han, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office in Beijing, reiterated that the drills served as “a stern warning to Taiwan independence separatist forces and external interference.” During a regular briefing on Wednesday, the Chinese official did not confirm whether the exercises had officially concluded.

The PLA’s two days of snap drills were conducted in response to the US approving an $11 billion arms package for Taiwan, marking one of the largest military support packages ever. While the maneuvers disrupted some flights to Taiwan’s offshore outposts, international routes remained largely unaffected. In a positive turn, Taiwan’s stock market rebounded on Wednesday, positioning itself to close 2025 at a record high.

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China has strongly criticized Western nations for their remarks regarding its extensive military drills around Taiwan, which appear to be concluding. The Chinese embassy in London emphasized that the Taiwan issue is an “internal affair,” asserting that “no country is entitled to make irresponsible comments” about the exercises. This statement followed the UK’s condemnation of the two-day military activities, which included rocket launches, stating that they “increase cross-strait tensions and the risk of escalation.”

The European Union and several other Western countries have also voiced their disapproval of Beijing’s actions. The EU urged China to “exercise restraint and avoid any actions that may further escalate tensions,” while opposing “any unilateral actions that change the status quo.” Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry expressed gratitude for the support, thanking the EU, UK, France, Germany, Australia, and New Zealand for their concerns regarding the drills.

The ongoing verbal exchanges coincide with the apparent conclusion of the People’s Liberation Army’s exercises, although China has yet to make an official announcement. Typically, such drills around Taiwan last one or two days, with some exceptions. This particular series of maneuvers was notable for its encroachment into a critical area surrounding Taiwan. For the first time, Chinese ships crossed into Taiwan’s 24-nautical mile contiguous zone, and PLA rockets landed within this boundary. This demarcation is significant, as it is where Taiwan enforces its laws regarding taxes, immigration, and environmental regulations.

According to an official from the Taiwanese Coast Guard, Chinese Coast Guard vessels involved in the drills are gradually moving away from Taiwan. The official, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the issue, stated that Taiwan continues to closely monitor the movements of these vessels.

In another sign that military activity is diminishing, Taiwan reported spotting only 35 planes crossing into sensitive areas within a 24-hour period leading up to early Wednesday, a decrease from 90 in the previous timeframe. The Defense Ministry in Taipei indicated that it would provide updates if new information arises.

Zhang Han, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office in Beijing, reiterated that the drills served as “a stern warning to Taiwan independence separatist forces and external interference.” During a regular briefing on Wednesday, the Chinese official did not confirm whether the exercises had officially concluded.

The PLA’s two days of snap drills were conducted in response to the US approving an $11 billion arms package for Taiwan, marking one of the largest military support packages ever. While the maneuvers disrupted some flights to Taiwan’s offshore outposts, international routes remained largely unaffected. In a positive turn, Taiwan’s stock market rebounded on Wednesday, positioning itself to close 2025 at a record high.

Related:

Copyright 2025 Bloomberg.

Topics
China