Tensions flare in the Taiwan Strait as Taiwan’s Defense Ministry reports tracking 11 Chinese military aircraft and 10 naval ships within 24 hours. This aggressive posture by China comes amid rising concerns over its claim on Taiwan. The Taiwanese military remains on high alert as Beijing intensifies its regional pressure.

China-Taiwan conflict: Taipei claims 11 PLA aircraft detected in 24 hours

New satellite images on Google Maps have surfaced, showing a dramatic expansion in China's nuclear submarine base near Qingdao, with at least six nuclear-powered subs docked at a navy base near Qingdao, according to the US Sun.
The images taken from Google Maps, show six nuclear-powered submarines stationed at the First Submarine Base, about 18km east of Qingdao in the Yellow Sea. &nbsp;
The base gives China quick entry to strategic maritime areas including the East China Sea and the Sea of Japan.&nbsp;
Australian naval analyst Alex Luck shared the images on X, as he identified Type 091 subs, two Type 093A subs, and one unidentified vessel.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explainer-where-is-the-taiwan-strait-and-why-is-it-important-8926626">Explainer: Where is the Taiwan Strait? Will it become a theatre of war if China invades Taiwan?</a>
Luck further noted the presence of the Type 092 ballistic missile submarine, which is China's only one of its kind until it was recently replaced by the Type 094.&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
GE imagery update of Qingdao First Submarine Base, with several nuclear powered boats visible. Red Type 09I (likely training boats/MTS), green Type 09III(A), blue Type 09IV SSBN, yellow unidentified hull, 09IIIA or possibly 09IIIB, purple unidentified hull in dock. <a href="https://t.co/CaWPOGCk9T">pic.twitter.com/CaWPOGCk9T</a>
&mdash; Alex Luck (@AlexLuck9) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlexLuck9/status/1910527196143509704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2025</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Taiwan is conducting military drills as it anticipates a possible Chinese invasion. Both sides are preparing for their nation's security, with China developing floating bridges and barges for rapid troop deployment across the Taiwan Strait.
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<h2>'Taiwan preps for all-out Chinese assault'</h2>
Amid all this, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND) also reported a sharp rise in Chinese military activity around its airspace and waters on Thursday.&nbsp;
The MND stated that 34 aircraft of the People&rsquo;s Liberation Army (PLA), six naval vessels from the People&rsquo;s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), and two official ships were detected around the island until 6 am.&nbsp;
Moreover, after these satellite images surfaced, Taiwan launched a two-week military simulation, with the aim to prepare an all-out Chinese assault.
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Using US-built simulation tools, the annual Han Kuang exercises are considering various scenarios, including grey zone attacks and a 2027 full-scale invasion.&nbsp;
Taiwan&rsquo;s defence minister Wellington Koo said this year&rsquo;s drills are based on &ldquo;a hypothetical invasion by China in 2027.&rdquo; Further, in July, they will also conduct live-fire drills.&nbsp;
China-Taiwan has been indulged in such military actions, as Beijing continues to force pressure on Taipei.&nbsp;
Despite Taiwan governed itself since 1949, Beijing considers it as a part of China and according to its "One China" policy, China still claims the island.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-continue-taiwan-friendly-approach-after-white-house-race-says-taipei-773819">US to continue Taiwan-friendly approach after White House race, says Taipei</a>

The images taken from Google Maps, show six nuclear-powered submarines stationed at the First Submarine Base, about 18km east of Qingdao in the Yellow Sea.  WORLD

New satellite images on Google Maps have surfaced, showing a dramatic expansion in China's nuclear submarine base near Qingdao, with at least six nuclear-powered subs docked at a navy base near Qingdao, according to the US Sun. The images taken from Google Maps, show six nuclear-powered submarines stationed at the First Submarine Base, about 18km east of Qingdao in the Yellow Sea. The base gives China quick entry to strategic maritime areas including the East China Sea and the Sea of Japan. Australian naval analyst Alex Luck shared the images on X, as he identified Type 091 subs, two Type 093A subs, and one unidentified vessel. Also read: Explainer: Where is the Taiwan Strait? Will it become a theatre of war if China invades Taiwan? Luck further noted the presence of the Type 092 ballistic missile submarine, which is China's only one of its kind until it was recently replaced by the Type 094. GE imagery update of Qingdao First Submarine Base, with several nuclear powered boats visible. Red Type 09I (likely training boats/MTS), green Type 09III(A), blue Type 09IV SSBN, yellow unidentified hull, 09IIIA or possibly 09IIIB, purple unidentified hull in dock. pic.twitter.com/CaWPOGCk9T — Alex Luck (@AlexLuck9) April 11, 2025 Taiwan is conducting military drills as it anticipates a possible Chinese invasion. Both sides are preparing for their nation's security, with China developing floating bridges and barges for rapid troop deployment across the Taiwan Strait. Also read: Is Trump’s tariff war pushing 'desperate' China closer to its neighbours? Here's how Beijing wants to 'team up' with India 'Taiwan preps for all-out Chinese assault' Amid all this, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND) also reported a sharp rise in Chinese military activity around its airspace and waters on Thursday. The MND stated that 34 aircraft of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), six naval vessels from the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), and two official ships were detected around the island until 6 am. Moreover, after these satellite images surfaced, Taiwan launched a two-week military simulation, with the aim to prepare an all-out Chinese assault. WATCH | Potential war in Taiwan can cost up to 10% of global GDP: Report Using US-built simulation tools, the annual Han Kuang exercises are considering various scenarios, including grey zone attacks and a 2027 full-scale invasion. Taiwan’s defence minister Wellington Koo said this year’s drills are based on “a hypothetical invasion by China in 2027.” Further, in July, they will also conduct live-fire drills. China-Taiwan has been indulged in such military actions, as Beijing continues to force pressure on Taipei. Despite Taiwan governed itself since 1949, Beijing considers it as a part of China and according to its "One China" policy, China still claims the island. Also read: US to continue Taiwan-friendly approach after White House race, says Taipei

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As Trump ramps up tariffs—slapping a 145% duty on Chinese imports—global concerns rise over whether Beijing could respond aggressively in the Taiwan Strait. China says it won’t be bullied, while experts warn a potential conflict in Taiwan could cost the world 10% of its GDP.

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Tensions between China and Taiwan have intensified as the PLA’s Shandong aircraft carrier conducted maneuvers east of Taiwan. Experts believe China is simulating countermeasures against US warships amid the largest military drills in the Taiwan Strait this week. Watch this to know more!

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China-Taiwan conflict: China concludes two-day war games around Taiwan after live fire drills

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Taiwan’s Defence Ministry released a rare footage of Chinese military aircraft and warships conducting drills near its territory.

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Taiwan detected 59 Chinese aircraft around the island, the highest tally since a record in October. Along with the 59 aircraft, nine Chinese warships and two balloons were also detected.

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China's PLA Commander has issued a fresh warning to Taiwan, escalating tensions in the region. The warning comes amid increasing concerns over military maneuvers and potential conflict.

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China&rsquo;s army on Sunday (Mar 9) said that it will tighten its &ldquo;noose&rdquo; around Taiwan if separatism on the island escalated. It further warned independence promoters to step back from the &ldquo;precipice&rdquo;.
Beijing considers the self-ruled island of Taiwan as a part of its territory and has been increasing pressure on its authorities with military drills and frequently deploying navy vessels and fighter jets around its land.
According to an interview published by state broadcaster CCTV, People's Liberation Army (PLA) spokesman Wu Qian said, &ldquo;The more rampant &lsquo;Taiwan independence&rsquo; separatists become, the tighter the noose around their necks and the sharper the sword hanging over their heads will be.&rdquo;
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&ldquo;The PLA is a force of action in countering separatism and promoting reunification,&rdquo; said Wu during the country's annual political gathering, &ldquo;Two Sessions.&rdquo;&nbsp;
He further warned, &ldquo;You&rsquo;ve ridden your steed to a precipice of a cliff, but behind you lies land &ndash; if you persist in taking the wrong course, you will meet a dead end.&rdquo;
This comes days after Beijing announced an increase of 7.2 per cent in its 2025 defence budget, aimed at rapid modernisation of China's armed forces as it competes with the United States.
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Wu called the increase &ldquo;limited... reasonable and stable&rdquo;, adding that extra money would be used to develop &ldquo;combat forces in new fields and with new qualities&rdquo;, and enhance reconnaissance, joint strike and battlefield support capabilities.
<h2>Second largest defence budget</h2>
Aligning with the economic growth, China has been increasing its military spending for decades. The country has the world&rsquo;s second-largest defence budget, well behind the United States. Beijing&rsquo;s budget of $245.7 billion this year is a third less than that of Washington&rsquo;s.
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While China has described its military stance as &ldquo;defensive&rdquo; and aimed at protecting its sovereignty, the US and other nations view its defence expansion with suspicion as Beijing increasingly asserts its control in the South China Sea.
<h2>China&rsquo;s territorial clashes</h2>
China&rsquo;s territorial claims over areas under other governments have often led to regional clashes, raising concerns.
On Friday (Mar 7), China&rsquo;s Foreign Minister Wang Yi said during a press conference that Taiwan coming under China&rsquo;s control was the &ldquo;shared hope of all Chinese people, the general trend of the time, and a righteous cause&rdquo;.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-come-and-get-you-sooner-or-later-china-warns-taiwan-authorities-over-expansion-of-military-exercises-8766301">'Will come and get you, sooner or later': China warns Taiwan authorities over expansion of military exercises</a>
&ldquo;Using Taiwan to control China is just like trying to stop a car with the arm of a mantis,&rdquo; he said.
Last month, Taiwan's Ministry of Defence condemned China for conducting &ldquo;live-fire&rdquo; exercises to the island's south. However, Beijing said the drills were &ldquo;routine&rdquo;.
(With inputs from agencies)

World | Beijing considers the self-ruled island of Taiwan as a part of its territory and has been increasing pressure on its authorities with military drills.

China’s army on Sunday (Mar 9) said that it will tighten its “noose” around Taiwan if separatism on the island escalated. It further warned independence promoters to step back from the “precipice”. Beijing considers the self-ruled island of Taiwan as a part of its territory and has been increasing pressure on its authorities with military drills and frequently deploying navy vessels and fighter jets around its land. According to an interview published by state broadcaster CCTV, People's Liberation Army (PLA) spokesman Wu Qian said, “The more rampant ‘Taiwan independence’ separatists become, the tighter the noose around their necks and the sharper the sword hanging over their heads will be.” Also read | Active-duty US soldiers charged with selling sensitive military data to China in shocking 'betrayal' “The PLA is a force of action in countering separatism and promoting reunification,” said Wu during the country's annual political gathering, “Two Sessions.” He further warned, “You’ve ridden your steed to a precipice of a cliff, but behind you lies land – if you persist in taking the wrong course, you will meet a dead end.” This comes days after Beijing announced an increase of 7.2 per cent in its 2025 defence budget, aimed at rapid modernisation of China's armed forces as it competes with the United States. Also read | 'Let's make elephant, dragon dance' China urges India to unite against US ‘power politics’ amid trade war Wu called the increase “limited... reasonable and stable”, adding that extra money would be used to develop “combat forces in new fields and with new qualities”, and enhance reconnaissance, joint strike and battlefield support capabilities. Second largest defence budget Aligning with the economic growth, China has been increasing its military spending for decades. The country has the world’s second-largest defence budget, well behind the United States. Beijing’s budget of $245.7 billion this year is a third less than that of Washington’s. Also read | China will work to 'firmly advance' reunification with Taiwan, says Premier Li Qiang While China has described its military stance as “defensive” and aimed at protecting its sovereignty, the US and other nations view its defence expansion with suspicion as Beijing increasingly asserts its control in the South China Sea. China’s territorial clashes China’s territorial claims over areas under other governments have often led to regional clashes, raising concerns. On Friday (Mar 7), China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi said during a press conference that Taiwan coming under China’s control was the “shared hope of all Chinese people, the general trend of the time, and a righteous cause”. Also read | 'Will come and get you, sooner or later': China warns Taiwan authorities over expansion of military exercises “Using Taiwan to control China is just like trying to stop a car with the arm of a mantis,” he said. Last month, Taiwan's Ministry of Defence condemned China for conducting “live-fire” exercises to the island's south. However, Beijing said the drills were “routine”. (With inputs from agencies)

Will tighten ‘noose’ around Taiwan if separatism escalates, warns Chinese military

In an unprecedented escalation, Taiwan has detected about 11 Chinese surveillance balloons encroaching on its airspace within a single day, a record since December 2023. This development coincides with the presence of five Chinese aircraft and six warships operating near the island, intensifying concerns over Beijing's assertive military maneuvers. Watch in for more details!

Balloons, aircraft & warships threaten Taiwan

Taiwan is never a country, not in the past, and never in the future, said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday during a press conference on the sidelines of the third session of the 14th National People's Congress in Beijing.

Chinese FM: Taiwan has never been a country and it will never be

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