China’s Record Military Drills Force Taiwan To Divert Flights, Disrupt Travel For Over 100,000 Passengers
Taiwan has been placed on high alert and is preparing to reroute flights after China launched unprecedented military exercises around the island, escalating regional tensions and disrupting civilian activities.
Taiwanese authorities, quoted by AFP, stated that the scale of the drills is the largest witnessed in recent months and have issued warnings about intense activity in the country’s airspace and surrounding waters.
According to data from Taiwan’s defence ministry, 89 Chinese military aircraft and 28 warships and coast guard vessels were operating near the island on Monday—the highest single-day count of Chinese aircraft detected since October 2024.
Flight disruptions expected
Taiwan’s transport ministry has cautioned that the military exercises will result in significant airspace and flight route restrictions on Tuesday. Officials estimate the drills will impact more than 100,000 passengers on international flights and approximately 6,000 domestic travelers.
To ensure aviation safety, aviation authorities announced they will redirect international flights away from designated danger zones or provide alternative routes for commercial aircraft.
Beijing frames drills as deterrent
China’s navy, air force, and other military branches are participating in the exercises, which are widely interpreted as a message to both Taiwan and external powers. Chinese military officials have characterized the drills as a strong warning against what Beijing terms “external interference” and “separatist forces.”
Beijing maintains that Taiwan is part of Chinese territory and asserts that such exercises are essential to protect its sovereignty, though critics contend they risk destabilizing the region.
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Taiwan’s defence ministry has denounced the drills, accusing China of being a “destroyer of peace.” Taiwanese forces have been placed on heightened alert, prepared to respond to any escalation.
“We strongly condemn the PRC’s irrational provocations and oppose the PLA’s actions that undermine regional peace. Rapid Response Exercises are underway, with forces on high alert to defend the Republic of China and protect our people,” Taiwan’s Defence Ministry posted on X.