China’s massive military drills force Taiwan to reroute flights

Taiwan is on high alert and preparing to divert flights after China launched record military drills around the island, raising tensions in the region and disrupting civilian life.

Taiwan’s authorities, cited by AFP, said the scale of the exercises is unlike anything seen recently and have issued warnings that the country’s airspace and waters are under intense activity.

According to data from Taiwan’s defence ministry, 89 Chinese military aircraft and 28 warships and coastguard vessels were operating near the island on Monday, the highest single‑day tally of Chinese aircraft detected since October 2024.

Flights to be diverted, travellers affected

Taiwan’s transport ministry has warned that the military drills will mean severe restrictions in airspace and flight routes on Tuesday. Officials say the exercises are expected to affect more than 100,000 passengers on international flights and around 6,000 domestic travellers.

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To keep air traffic safe, aviation authorities said they will divert international flights away from designated danger zones or announce alternative routes for commercial jets.

China calls drills a warning

China’s navy, air force and other military units are taking part in the drills, which are widely seen as a signal to both Taiwan and foreign powers. Chinese military spokespeople have described the exercises as a stern warning against what Beijing calls “external interference” and “separatist forces.”

Beijing insists that Taiwan is part of its territory and says such exercises are necessary to safeguard its sovereignty, though critics argue they risk destabilising the region.

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Taiwan’s defence ministry has condemned the drills and accused China of being a “destroyer of peace,” while Taiwanese forces have been placed on high alert, ready to respond to any escalation.

“We strongly condemn the PRC’s irrational provocations and oppose the PLA’s actions that undermine regional peace. Rapid Response Exercises are underway, with forces on high alert to defend the Republic of China and protect our people,” Taiwan’s Defence Ministry posted on X.