Trump Unfazed by China’s Taiwan Wargame

Published: 30 December 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

US President Donald Trump has stated he is not worried by China’s extensive live-fire drills encircling Taiwan, emphasising his reportedly strong relationship with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Trump’s comments arrived amid a two-day surprise military simulation launched by the People’s Liberation Army, which China has officially named “Justice Mission 2025.” The exercises began on Monday and continued into Tuesday, demonstrating China’s growing capability and readiness near Taiwan’s territorial waters.

Taiwan’s defence ministry reported that on Tuesday morning, the PLA fired 27 missiles from the Chinese coastline, landing closer to Taiwan’s main island than in previous drills. Several of these missiles entered Taiwan’s 24-nautical mile contiguous zone, and at least 13 Chinese vessels were detected within these restricted waters. Observations also noted the presence of 70 Chinese warplanes, 11 naval ships, and 14 coast guard vessels since 6am. In the 24 hours leading to Tuesday morning, Taiwanese authorities detected 130 warplanes, 28 ships, multiple amphibious assault vessels, and a surveillance balloon.

Speaking on Monday, Trump reiterated that he had not been informed by Xi about these exercises. “I certainly have seen it … I don’t believe he is going to be doing it,” Trump said, seemingly referencing a potential invasion. “Nothing worries me,” he added. His comments reflect a continuation of his historically inconsistent stance on Taiwan during his presidency. Trump had met Xi in October, claiming that Taiwan was not discussed during that encounter, and he is expected to visit Beijing next year for further meetings.

Beijing regards Taiwan as part of China and has declared ambitions to annex the island militarily, aiming for readiness by 2027, according to prior US intelligence assessments. Until then, China employs a mix of military and non-military strategies to pressure Taiwan into accepting what it calls “peaceful reunification.” The PLA exercises this week focused on simulating port blockades, repelling foreign interference, and testing advanced sea-air coordination, targeting submarines and maritime assets.

Taiwan’s president, Lai Ching-te, condemned China’s actions as irresponsible, affirming that Taiwan would defend its sovereignty while seeking to avoid escalating conflict. Defence Minister Wellington Koo described the drills as a violation of international norms, aimed at cognitive warfare and weakening Taiwan’s combat capabilities, while also attempting to sow division within society.

These exercises mark the sixth and largest series of PLA drills targeting Taiwan since 2022, following major exercises conducted after then-US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited the island. While live-fire drills are often part of routine military training, China frequently ties them to perceived provocations. This week, Chinese authorities cited the US approval of a record $11bn arms sale to Taiwan as justification.

An attack on Taiwan by Beijing could draw responses from the US and potentially Japan, according to recent statements by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Takaichi warned of possible military involvement if China launched an assault, a statement that Beijing sharply criticised. In a Tuesday speech, China’s foreign minister Wang Yi framed the drills as a response to US arms sales and Taiwan’s pro-independence activities, while also signalling a warning to Japan for challenging Chinese territorial claims.

State media outlet Xinhua published an editorial framing the drills as an unavoidable demonstration of national reunification. Analysts in China also highlighted that these exercises coincided with Taiwanese officials attending a “twin cities” forum in Shanghai, reflecting a dual strategy of inducement and deterrence towards Taiwan. Xinbo Wu, dean at Fudan University’s International Studies Institute, suggested this two-pronged approach exemplifies Beijing’s method of balancing incentives with coercive pressure.

As tensions rise in the Taiwan Strait, Trump’s dismissal of immediate concern contrasts sharply with regional apprehensions, highlighting the complexity of US-China-Taiwan relations. The drills underscore China’s determination to maintain pressure while signalling military readiness, reinforcing the delicate security situation surrounding the island. Analysts note that future developments will likely hinge on international diplomatic responses, regional alliances, and continued military manoeuvres in the strategically critical waters near Taiwan.