US President Donald Trump has shrugged off recent Chinese military exercises near Taiwan, describing the drills as “nothing to worry about,” even as tensions escalate in the Taiwan Strait. The exercises come nearly two weeks after the US announced one of its largest arms sales to the self-governed island, valued at $11 billion (£8.2 billion).

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Trump Comments on China’s Naval and Air Drills

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Trump said:

“No, nothing worries me. They’ve been doing naval exercises for 20 years in that area.”

He highlighted his personal relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping, noting that Xi had not raised the drills in their communications. Trump’s comments suggest confidence that the longstanding rapport between the US and China will mitigate potential escalation.

The Chinese military, however, framed the drills as a warning against “Taiwan independence separatist forces” and “external interference.” The Eastern Theater Command has deployed destroyers, frigates, and fighter-bombers to conduct 10-hour live-firing exercises across five locations surrounding Taiwan.

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Taiwan’s Response

Taiwan’s defence ministry reported that 130 Chinese military aircraft were detected near the island, with 90 crossing the “median line” — an unofficial boundary dividing the Taiwan Strait. Taiwanese forces have deployed aircraft, ships, and coastal missile systems to monitor and respond to these movements.

President Lai Ching-te criticized China’s escalation, calling the drills “not something that a responsible power should do.” He added that Taiwan would act responsibly and refrain from escalating tensions, while ensuring national safety.

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Why the Drills Are Happening

Analysts say the exercises primarily target the United States and Japan, rather than Taiwan itself. Susan Shirk, former US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, explained:

“It’s an expression of resolve and anger about the US arms sales, which now include weapons capable of striking the Chinese mainland.”

The recent arms package includes advanced rocket launchers, self-propelled howitzers, and various missiles, reflecting US commitment to Taiwan’s defensive capabilities.

Alexander Neill of the Pacific Forum noted that the drills demonstrate China’s operational capabilities at sea and in the air, but cautioned that Trump’s belief in his personal rapport with Xi may overestimate his influence on Beijing’s strategy.

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Broader China-Taiwan Tensions

China has long vowed to “reunify” with Taiwan, including by force if necessary. In recent years, it has ramped up military pressure through regular incursions into Taiwanese airspace and waters, alongside large-scale drills.

Taiwan, in response, has announced plans to boost defence spending to modernize its armed forces. Meanwhile, China has sanctioned several US defence firms and condemned the arms sale, warning that attempts to “contain China by using Taiwan will absolutely not succeed.”

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized that Taiwan’s reunification with the mainland is a “historical mission” and vowed to counter what Beijing views as provocations from Taiwan and its allies.