China Concludes Military Drills Around Taiwan, Reiterates Opposition to "Taiwan Independence"

PLA Declares Exercises "Successful," Vows to Deter Separatist Actions

Following two days of intensive military exercises around Taiwan, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command announced on the evening of May 2nd that it had "successfully completed all tasks" of its joint drills, comprehensively assessing the integrated joint operational capabilities of its forces. PLA spokesperson Shi Yi stated that the forces remain on high alert, continuously intensifying training and preparedness to resolutely thwart all "Taiwan independence" separatist activities.

The exercises, which began on May 1st in areas surrounding Taiwan, included a focus on the "sealing and control of key areas and strategic corridors." Earlier in the day on May 2nd, the PLA also announced the "Strait Thunder-2025A" exercise in the central and southern areas of the Taiwan Strait.