Beijing has demanded an immediate halt to US arms sales to Taiwan, warning the moves are driving the Taiwan Strait closer to conflict.
The dispute comes after Washington approved an arms package valued at about $11.1 billion for Taipei in December.
The reported package includes ATACMS missiles, drones, and HIMARS systems, underscoring the scale of US support.
China responded with a large military deployment around Taiwan under drills it called “Justice Mission 2025”.
Taiwanese monitoring reports said Chinese naval and air units moved to encircle the island during the operation.
The drills included heavy air activity, with 130 aircraft reportedly detected within a 24-hour window.
Reports also said more than a dozen missiles were fired offshore as part of the show of force.
Chinese authorities said the exercises tested blockade scenarios and coordinated strike capabilities.
These exercises are a severe warning to separatist forces advocating Taiwan’s independence and to foreign powers.
Shi Yi said.
External forces attempting to use Taiwan to contain China and arm it will only encourage the arrogance of the separatists and push the Taiwan Strait toward a perilous situation of imminent war.
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated.
Beijing followed its military response with economic retaliation aimed at US defence-linked firms.
China announced sanctions against 20 US companies, including Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and L3Harris, according to reports.
The measures reportedly include asset freezes in China, bans on co-operation, and restrictions on certain executives entering the territory.
Chinese officials also framed the row as a strategic test of Western alliances and the durability of deterrence in Asia.
Analysts warn that a clash near Taiwan could disrupt key maritime routes that carry a large share of global trade.
I don’t think they will do it… They have been conducting naval exercises in this area for 20 years.
Donald Trump said.
Taipei has treated recent moves as more than routine, citing what it described as new escalation signals in the operating patterns around the island.
Taiwan reportedly deployed 14 ships to track Chinese movements and maintain a visible defensive posture.
Residents in Taipei have voiced mixed feelings, with some calling the drills familiar and others saying the scale now looks like rehearsal for a blockade.
Some geopolitical observers argue Beijing may prefer sustained pressure, information tactics, and gradual isolation over an immediate all-out assault.