United States expresses disapproval of China's military operations
Recent developments have shown a significant increase in Chinese military activity around Taiwan, as the island prepares for its annual Han Kuang military exercises, scheduled for July 9 to 18, 2025.
In the 24 hours leading up to July 4, Taiwanese authorities detected 41 Chinese aircraft and 8 navy vessels operating near the island, with 27 aircraft crossing the median line into Taiwan’s northern, central, and southwestern air defense identification zones (ADIZ). This surge represents a notable escalation compared to the recent average daily incursions.
In response, the Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense deployed patrol aircraft, navy vessels, and coastal missile systems to monitor and counter the activities. Additionally, a Chinese carrier rocket traversed the southwestern section of Taiwan's ADIZ but did not pose a direct threat as it remained outside the Earth's atmosphere.
The Han Kuang exercise, Taiwan’s largest annual military exercise, marks its 41st edition this year. This year's event will combine conventional war games with urban survival drills and live-fire conditions, emphasizing not only military readiness but also civil defense and societal resilience. The exercise includes simulated air-raid warnings, mass evacuations, critical infrastructure protection, and coordinated urban resilience efforts with local governments, reflecting concerns over a possible prolonged conflict involving both military and civilian dimensions.
The U.S. Department of State has criticized China’s recent military pressure as illegitimate and destabilizing, emphasizing that peace in the Taiwan Strait is vital for regional and global prosperity. The U.S. urged Beijing to avoid further provocative actions that could undermine peace and stability. The U.S. reaffirmed continued support for Taiwan in the face of Chinese coercion across military, economic, and diplomatic fronts.
China's military pressure campaign around Taiwan has been escalating for years, including naval and air deployments beyond the second island chain and increased median line airspace penetrations in June 2025. Taiwan is commemorating July as “National Unity Month” alongside the Han Kuang exercises, marking the largest mobilization of reservists to date and reflecting heightened readiness in response to regional tensions.
The live-fire portion of this year's Han Kuang exercises will significantly extend its duration compared to previous exercises, which lasted five days and four nights. The U.S. official urged China to avoid taking actions that could undermine peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the wider region. The U.S. views China's military threats against Taiwan as irresponsible.
The escalating military pressure around Taiwan from China, as demonstrated by the increase in Chinese aircraft and naval vessels near the island, is causing concern in the realm of war-and-conflicts and politics. In response to the surge in Chinese activity, the U.S. Department of State has criticized these actions as illegitimate and destabilizing, calling for the avoidance of further provocations that could contribute to general-news events involving Taiwan.
