PLA Video "Subdue Demons" Signals Taiwan Warning Amidst Military Drills

On April 1, 2025, the PLA Eastern Theater Command released a short video titled "Subdue Demons and Vanquish Evils." The video drew a parallel between the skills of the Chinese mythological figure Sun Wukong in eliminating "evils" and the PLA's powerful combat capabilities.

The video was released amidst joint exercises conducted by the PLA Eastern Theater Command. These exercises involved the army, navy, air force, and rocket forces, simulating operations near Taiwan. The drills focused on sea-air combat readiness, joint superiority, assaults on maritime and ground targets, and blockades of key areas.

Wukong with displays of PLA capabilities. It showcased warplanes, fighter jets, airborne troops, helicopters, bombers, missiles, stealth aircraft, vessels, and drones, highlighting the PLA's strengths in mobilization, strikes, defense penetration, reconnaissance, and pinpoint attacks.

Military experts noted that the video displayed actual locations on the island and showcased the PLA's precision reconnaissance capabilities. The video also featured a "venomous frog," a symbol interpreted by experts as representing the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and "Taiwan independence" forces. The video's message was seen as a warning that these forces would face severe consequences.

The release of "Subdue Demons and Vanquish Evils" was interpreted as a call to those on the island who resist authoritarianism and a call to action to complete the reunification of China.