Taiwan Responds to China's Military Drills and Sanctions

In early January 2026, China conducted extensive military drills around Taiwan, termed “Justice Mission 2025,” which included the firing of dozens of rockets and the deployment of numerous warships and aircraft. Taiwan's National Security Bureau reported that these exercises aimed to counter growing international support for Taiwan and to redirect domestic discontent towards nationalism. The drills, described as China's most extensive to date, resulted in the cancellation of numerous domestic flights and raised concerns among regional allies and Western nations. The report indicated that the drills were part of a broader hybrid campaign to pressure Taiwan militarily and economically.

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In conjunction with the military exercises, Beijing imposed sanctions on two Taiwanese ministers, Interior Minister Liu Shyh-fang and Education Minister Cheng Ying-yao, labeling them as “stubborn Taiwan independence figures.” These sanctions prohibit the ministers and their families from entering mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau, and extend to barring associated companies from profit-making activities in China. The Taiwanese government condemned these actions, asserting that they undermine cross-strait relations and threaten Taiwan's sovereignty.

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Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council expressed strong opposition to the sanctions, stating that such measures would provoke public anger rather than compliance. The council emphasized that threats and intimidation would not deter the Taiwanese people's commitment to democracy and freedom. Liu and Cheng both reaffirmed their dedication to Taiwan's sovereignty, with Cheng highlighting the importance of education in fostering democratic values.

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During the military drills, Taiwan experienced over two million cyberattacks, attributed to Chinese hacking groups such as APT24 and BlackTech. The National Security Bureau reported that China utilized state media and online platforms to disseminate disinformation aimed at undermining trust in Taiwan's military capabilities and its leadership. This coordinated effort included the deployment of artificial intelligence-generated content and social media “troll armies” to amplify pro-China narratives.

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Critics of China's actions argue that the military drills and sanctions are part of a broader strategy to intimidate Taiwan and suppress its democratic aspirations. Taiwanese officials have characterized these measures as attempts to assert Chinese jurisdiction over Taiwan, which they firmly reject. The Taiwanese government has vowed to continue its efforts to counter Beijing's influence and maintain its sovereignty.

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While Taiwan's government has consistently denounced China's military and diplomatic maneuvers, Beijing maintains that its actions are necessary to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity. The differing narratives highlight the ongoing tensions and complexities in cross-strait relations, with each side accusing the other of escalating the situation.

The Straits Times

• “Threats and intimidation will never shake the resolve of the Taiwanese people to uphold democracy and freedom,” — Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council

Reuters

• “My commitment to defending national sovereignty, and a free and democratic way of life will not change, and I will continue to safeguard Taiwan,” — Liu Shyh-fang, Taiwanese Interior Minister

Taipei Times

• “Chen said the purpose of the actions against a small number of "Taiwan independence die-hards" was to "fundamentally safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity", and that the moves were not aimed at Taiwanese citizens in general.” — Chen Binhua, Spokesman for China's Taiwan Affairs Office

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• “Threats and intimidation will never shake the resolve of the Taiwanese people to uphold democracy and freedom,” — Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council

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The situation remains fluid, with both sides preparing for potential future confrontations as tensions continue to rise in the Taiwan Strait.

The Straits Times