China staged large, unannounced military drills involving over 100 vessels across the western Pacific and around Taiwan in early November 2026. Taiwanese security officials described the unannounced exercises, which included an submarine-launched ICBM test and carrier strike group operations, as a 'silent intimidation' tactic to exert political pressure ahead of the upcoming APEC summit in Shenzhen where U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are slated to meet.
Statements from Taiwanese officials
- ▪Taiwan National Security Council Secretary-General Joseph Wu detailed on November 12, 2026, that Chinese theatre command groups and the Liaoning carrier strike group were operating east of the Philippines
- ▪Taiwan Defence Minister Wellington Koo stated that China carried out 'area denial' drills in the western Pacific involving an aircraft carrier and associated naval formations
Assessments of China's strategic intent
- ▪A foreign intelligence source stated that China's unannounced military drills allowed Beijing to apply military pressure while avoiding a diplomatic backlash during a period of typically calmer weather
- ▪Taiwanese security officials characterized China's unannounced November 2026 military drills as a campaign of 'silent intimidation' designed to pressure Taiwan and foreign governments without triggering formal alarms
- ▪A senior Taiwan security official noted that China's coordinated multi-command drills indicated preparations for broader operations across the western Pacific and a Taiwan blockade scenario
Official responses from Beijing
- ▪Chinese state-backed newspaper Global Times reported on November 13, 2026, that Taiwan's ruling party would face a harsh reckoning if it persists in seeking independence through external military support
- ▪China's government stated that its Liaoning aircraft carrier was engaged in routine exercises not directed at any country
- ▪Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a speech, urging peaceful reunification with Taiwan while omitting any explicit mention of using military force
APEC leaders' summit
- ▪Taiwan is also scheduled to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders' summit hosted in Shenzhen
- ▪Beijing is scheduled to host the APEC leaders' summit in Shenzhen, where U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to meet
International stances on Taiwan
- ▪Beijing expressed anger after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated that Japan's military could get involved if China takes action against Taiwan
- ▪G7 Foreign Ministers issued a statement stressing the importance of maintaining peace across the Taiwan Strait, noting that Chinese actions east of Taiwan threaten regional stability
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