China Announces Live Fire Drills Around Taiwan, Broad Sea and Air Restrictions

China’s Eastern Theatre Command announced a large scale live fire military exercise around Taiwan on Monday, dispatching army, navy, air force and rocket force units and publishing maps that designate five restricted sea and air zones around the island. The command said the mobilization was “starting from December 29” and that live firing would be organised in the marked areas on the day following the announcement.

Official notices and the graphic released by the command identified blockade areas that together surround Taiwan. The zones include waters and airspace north of Keelung City, east of Taitung County, south of Pingtung County, southeast of the Penghu islands and northwest of Taoyuan. The command released coordinates for the blocks and warned that live firing would take place during a stated window, widely circulated as 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. local time, which corresponds to 00:00 to 10:00 GMT. One notice reported a slightly different schedule beginning at 8:30 a.m. for 10 hours, creating an inconsistency between published timings.

Beijing said the drills are intended to test joint operations and the ability to control sea and air approaches to the island, including blockade measures and the seizure of key locations. The Eastern Theatre Command framed the activity as a test of joint assault and coordinated operations as vessels and aircraft approach Taiwan from multiple directions.

Taiwan’s military said it had deployed “appropriate forces” and would closely monitor the exercise zones. Taipei’s Presidential Office called on Beijing to “immediately stop the irresponsible and provocative actions,” and described the manoeuvres as “military intimidation.” Authorities in Taipei stressed they would avoid escalation while maintaining readiness, and they have circulated navigational notices to commercial vessels operating in adjacent waters.

The drills come amid a pattern of more frequent Chinese encirclement exercises around Taiwan in recent years. Western governments have criticised similar moves previously, with the United States labelling them “intimidation tactics” and Britain warning they risk “dangerous escalation.” Some analysts link Beijing’s stepped up activity to broader diplomatic and military frictions across the Taiwan Strait, including disagreements over arms sales and security ties between Taiwan and the United States.

Economic and market implications are immediate. The Taiwan Strait is a critical shipping corridor for regional trade and a central route for semiconductor supply chains. Insurance rates and shipping costs can rise on short notice when armed exercises are announced. Analysts said disruptions to transits or an extended drill period could temporarily slow deliveries and push freight rates higher for carriers that must reroute.

The Eastern Theatre Command’s published maps and coordinates are the authoritative source for exact boundaries and timing of the drills. Mariners and air operators were advised to consult those materials before planning movements. As the exercise unfolds, investors and regional officials will be watching for any further military activity that might widen tensions or produce sustained impacts on trade and market confidence.