China Conducts "Strait Thunder-2025A" Military Exercises Around Taiwan

On Wednesday, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) executed military drills dubbed "Strait Thunder-2025A" in the central and southern Taiwan Straits, following a prior organization of joint forces across all military branches. A spokesperson for the Eastern Theater Command, Senior Colonel Shi Yi, stated that the focus of the exercises included essential areas such as identification and verification processes, warnings, as well as the interception and detention of potential threats. This testing aims to enhance the troops' proficiency in regulating and controlling the area, executing joint blockades, and conducting precise strikes on high-value targets.

Experts like Zhang Chi from the National Defense University highlighted that the name "Strait Thunder-2025A" signifies the PLA's increasing options and approaches to deter any moves toward "Taiwan independence." He explained that the PLA maintains a constant state of high combat readiness, likening it to a sharp sword hovering over the heads of those advocating for secession. Furthermore, Zhang emphasized the PLA's strategy of tightening the noose around these movements, making it clear that provocations will result in severe repercussions.

Fu Zhengnan from the PLA's Academy of Military Science noted that the recent exercises created a scenario where Taiwan is effectively surrounded, leading to a forced limitation on "independence" advocates. He remarked that the transition from previous drill series, such as "Joint Sword," to the current "Strait Thunder" indicates an escalation in the PLA's military strategies aimed at countering secessionist activities. During the "Strait Thunder-2025A" drills, formations of warships and aircraft worked in unison to achieve a comprehensive blockade of Taiwan, simulating strikes against key targets linked to the "Taiwan independence" movement. With robust reconnaissance and early warning systems in place, the PLA asserted control over the battlefield, signaling a psychological deterrent to those pushing for independence. Fu concluded that the PLA has markedly enhanced its abilities to execute coordinated operations aimed at deterring any attempts at secession, poised to respond vigorously should provocations occur.