Behind War Games Around Taiwan, China’s Military Faces Leadership Turmoil

An analyst views Beijing’s stepped-up action around Taiwan as a diversion from the turbulence within the upper echelon of the Chinese Communist Party.
Behind War Games Around Taiwan, China’s Military Faces Leadership Turmoil
A giant city screen broadcasts news on China's military drills around Taiwan through New Year decorations, in Beijing, on Dec. 29, 2025. Maxim Shemetov/Reuters
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The Chinese regime staged one of its most expansive military exercises encircling Taiwan earlier this week, a show of force analysts linked to turbulence within the top brass of the country’s armed forces.

Just three days before New Year’s Day, China’s military launched a live-fire drill in the sea and water near Taiwan. The Eastern Theater Command announced it deployed destroyers, bombers, unmanned aerial vehicles, amphibious assault ships, and other weapons to test combat readiness to blockade and control ports and critical areas.