U.S. President Donald Trump has played down China’s large-scale military exercises around Taiwan, saying the drills do not concern him and are part of long-standing regional activity.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Trump said he was aware of the exercises but expressed no alarm. “I have a very good relationship with President Xi Jinping, and he hasn’t mentioned anything about it,” Trump said. “Nothing worries me. Naval exercises have been happening in that area for decades.”
The comments come as China carries out two days of military manoeuvres that simulate a blockade and seizure of key areas around Taiwan. The drills began nearly two weeks after Washington approved an $11 billion arms package for Taiwan, a move that prompted strong opposition from Beijing.
China’s People’s Liberation Army said the exercises were aimed at deterring “Taiwan independence separatist forces” and countering “external interference.” On Tuesday, the drills expanded to include around ten hours of live-fire exercises across multiple zones surrounding the island, involving warships, fighter jets, and amphibious assault forces.
Taiwan’s defence ministry reported heightened activity, saying it detected around 130 Chinese military aircraft near the island, with the majority crossing the unofficial median line in the Taiwan Strait. More than a dozen Chinese naval vessels were also spotted in nearby waters. In response, Taiwan deployed aircraft, naval units and coastal missile systems to monitor the situation.
Taiwan’s presidential office criticised the drills, calling them destabilising and contrary to international norms. President Lai Ching-te said Beijing’s actions did not reflect the behaviour of a responsible global power, while assuring that Taiwan would act calmly and responsibly to safeguard national security.
Analysts say the military exercises are directed less at Taiwan’s population and more at signalling resolve to Washington and its regional allies. Experts point to U.S. arms sales — including systems capable of striking targets on the Chinese mainland — as a key factor behind Beijing’s escalation.
China has consistently maintained that Taiwan is part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to achieve reunification. In recent years, Beijing has increased military pressure through frequent drills and incursions near the island, while Taiwan has moved to strengthen its defences.Despite Trump’s public dismissal of the exercises, his administration continues to support Taiwan militarily, reinforcing Washington’s long-standing but delicate policy of backing the island’s security while maintaining formal diplomatic ties with China.
