# China-Taiwan military tensions and exercises

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/china-taiwan-military-tensions-and-exercises
> Updated: 2026-10-11T21:40:23.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2.

Military activity between China and Taiwan has intensified through demonstrations of advanced hardware and large-scale maritime drills.

In late September, China conducted exercises in the Gobi Desert to showcase the rapid deployment of its HQ-9B long-range air defense system, utilizing Y-20 strategic transport aircraft. Simultaneously, Taiwan’s Republic of China Army performed a live-fire demonstration of a new domestically developed 8x8 105 mm mobile cannon system in Tainan. While the Taiwanese demonstration faced a single equipment malfunction during testing, mass production of the units is planned for 2027.

By mid-October, China expanded its military operations to include live-fire drills across five maritime zones, including the South China Sea and East China Sea. These exercises, involving coastal artillery, followed a speech by Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te regarding Taiwan’s right to exist. China’s Ministry of Defense characterized the training as a regular measure to deter “Taiwan independence movements and external interference.” Taiwan’s Defense Minister, Wellington Koo, stated that the military is monitoring the situation and preparing for worst-case scenarios.

## Claims

- The drills involve five specific areas including the Bohai Sea, Yellow Sea, East China Sea, and South China Sea. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te stated in a National Day speech that Taiwan cherishes peace but will not relinquish its freedom. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The Chinese Ministry of Defense stated that military exercises around Taiwan are intended to deter Taiwan independence movements and external interference. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Taiwanese Defense Minister Wellington Koo stated that the military is closely monitoring the live-fire drills and adhering to a principle of anticipating the worst-case scenarios. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The military exercises and live-fire drills are scheduled to take place between October 12 and October 17. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Taiwan's preliminary assessment suggests the activities consist of firing drills conducted by coastal artillery and related units. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Chinese maritime authorities have prohibited vessel entry in the designated military activity zones. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-11: China conducts live-fire military drills in five maritime zones

China has initiated live-fire military drills across five maritime regions, including the South China Sea, following a National Day speech by Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te regarding regional defense.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/china-announces-live-fire-military-drills-across-five-maritime-regions

### 2026-09-26: China and Taiwan conduct demonstrations of advanced military hardware

China demonstrated the rapid deployment of its HQ-9B long-range air defense system in the Gobi Desert, while Taiwan showcased a new domestically developed 105 mm mobile cannon system during live-fire tests.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/china-and-taiwan-conduct-demonstrations-of-advanced-military-hardware

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Cite as: China-Taiwan military tensions and exercises. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/china-taiwan-military-tensions-and-exercises