China’s latest military tantrum off Taiwan’s coast just gave us a terrifying glimpse into Beijing’s playbook for a future invasion—complete with animation of explosions over Taiwanese cities that even Hollywood would find too on-the-nose.
At a Glance
- China conducted “Strait Thunder-2025A” military drills with over 20 naval vessels and 50 aircraft, simulating attacks on Taiwan’s ports and energy infrastructure
- The Shandong aircraft carrier was deployed to test blockade capabilities, with 76 Chinese aircraft and 19 ships entering Taiwan’s waters and airspace
- Beijing released propaganda videos showing rockets hitting targets and animations of explosions over Taiwanese cities
- Taiwan’s President condemned the drills while the U.S. reaffirmed support, as tensions reach dangerous levels
Communist China’s Military Theater Production
While Americans were focused on our own domestic chaos, the Chinese Communist Party decided to put on quite the military spectacle this week. The so-called “Strait Thunder-2025A” drills featured everything short of XI Jinping riding a missile Dr.
Strangelove-style toward Taiwan. Beijing deployed over 20 naval vessels and 50 aircraft in elaborate live-fire exercises specifically designed to simulate attacks on Taiwan’s ports and energy facilities—you know, just normal “peaceful reunification” stuff that involves blowing up your neighbor’s critical infrastructure.
The communist regime even went full Hollywood, releasing videos showing rockets hitting targets and—get this—animations of explosions over Taiwanese cities. Nothing says “we come in peace” like digital renderings of your major population centers being bombarded.
The Chinese military explained with a straight face that these exercises were merely to “test the troops’ capabilities” in “blockade and control, and precision strikes on key targets.” Translation: we’re practicing how to strangle and pummel Taiwan into submission whenever Chairman Xi gives the green light.
Taiwan’s Democracy In The Crosshairs
Taiwan’s response to this military temper tantrum was impressively restrained considering they had 76 Chinese aircraft and 19 ships violating their territorial waters and airspace. The island’s Defense Ministry reported that some Chinese forces even crossed the Taiwan Strait’s median line, the unofficial buffer that Beijing now conveniently pretends doesn’t exist. Meanwhile, the Shandong aircraft carrier group deliberately entered Taiwan’s air defense identification zone in what can only be described as the maritime equivalent of a schoolyard bully’s chest-bump.
According to the Taiwan’s Presidential Office: “China’s blatant military provocations not only threaten peace in the #Taiwan Strait but also undermine security in the entire region, as evidenced by drills near Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Korea, the Philippines & the SCS [South China Sea]. We strongly condemn China’s escalatory behavior”
Taiwan’s President William Lai Ching-te didn’t mince words, condemning the exercises for exactly what they are—a direct threat to regional peace and security. You’ve got to admire the courage of Taiwan’s 23 million citizens who wake up every morning to a giant communist neighbor conducting dress rehearsals for their potential annihilation. And let’s be honest, these aren’t just military exercises—they’re deliberate intimidation tactics by an authoritarian regime that can’t tolerate the existence of a thriving democracy on its doorstep.
America’s Stake In Taiwan’s Freedom
While China plays war games, America’s position grows increasingly precarious. The Biden administration condemned the drills as “reckless” and reaffirmed support for Taiwan’s security—but words are cheap when facing down a nation practicing blockades with aircraft carriers. These drills have intensified under Xi Jinping’s watch since 2016, showing a clear pattern of escalation that should concern every American who values freedom and still believes in standing against communist aggression. Remember when standing against communism was a bipartisan position in America?
“Beijing sees Taiwan, the democratic ruled island, as a breakaway Chinese province, and President Xi Jinping has said time and time again, that whether by peaceful means or by force, it will be unified again with mainland China”, says Katrina Yu.
The timing couldn’t be more concerning. As America deals with domestic divisions, economic challenges courtesy of Biden’s inflation explosion, and a world in chaos, China is counting on our distraction. These aren’t just military exercises—they’re test runs for actual invasion scenarios, complete with precision strikes on critical infrastructure. The international community can “closely monitor” all it wants, but without real deterrence, Xi Jinping’s regime will continue its march toward what it sees as inevitable: the crushing of Taiwan’s democracy and the expansion of communist control across the Taiwan Strait.