China has conducted a large-scale military exercise to practice blockading Taiwan and preventing US forces from intervening.
The drill, which took place in December 2024, involved 18 destroyers and frigates, as well as over 134 warplanes and 60 naval vessels.
The exercise was designed to demonstrate China's ability to enforce a blockade on Taiwan, which is seen as a crucial step in seizing control of the island. China has made no secret of its ambition to take Taiwan, and has increased its military presence around the island in recent years.
The drill also highlighted China's anti-access/area denial (A2AD) strategy, which aims to prevent US forces from approaching the island. China's military has been rehearsing attacks on foreign ships, blocking maritime channels, and intercepting commerce vessels.
Taiwan's geography makes it vulnerable to a blockade, with its population, industry, and ports concentrated on its western flank, closest to China. China could enforce a blockade by deploying ships and submarines to prevent ships from entering or leaving Taiwan's ports.
The exercise has sparked concerns about China's intentions and its ability to enforce a blockade on Taiwan.
Taiwan's air force has scrambled to respond to almost daily missions by the Chinese military around the island, and the US has expressed concerns about China's increasing military presence in the region.
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