Taiwan says China running 'area denial' drills in Western Pacific

· Security · Taiwan · China

Taiwan's Defence Minister Wellington Koo said China is conducting "area denial" drills in the Western Pacific and that Taiwan's military is keeping a close watch on Beijing's activities, according to The Straits Times. Area denial refers to tactics designed to keep opposing forces out of a region, typically involving missiles, naval and air power. The remark adds to a run of Chinese military activity around Taiwan and the wider region that Taipei has been tracking. Koo did not provide further details in the report on the scale or timing of the drills.

Why it matters：Sustained Chinese drills near Taiwan and in the Western Pacific raise the risk of miscalculation and test the readiness of regional militaries and their partners.

Key points

  • Taiwan's defence minister said the drills involve 'area denial'.
  • Taipei says it is closely monitoring Chinese activity.
  • The report gave no details on scale or timing.

Sources (original reporting)

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