Taiwan: China to hold military drills around Taiwan Aug. 4-7

Event

The Chinese military will hold military exercises, including live firing drills, in the sea and air space around Taiwan 12:00 Aug. 4-12:00 Aug. 7. Authorities have established six exclusion areas surrounding Taiwan to facilitate the exercises. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) has banned civilian aircraft and vessels from entering the areas for the exercises' duration.

The drills and associated exclusion zones may prompt regional maritime shipping delays. The exercises could restrict shipping traffic in waterways to ports in Taiwan. Flight delays cannot be ruled out at airports in Taiwan and, potentially, offshore helicopter services.

Context

China's planned naval and air exercises surrounding Taiwan appear to be military posturing in response to US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to the island Aug. 2-3. Beijing had previously warned of serious consequences if Pelosi's trip took place, raising concerns of direct military confrontation. The drills would be the most serious show of force by China since 1995, when Beijing fired missiles into waters off Taiwan and rehearsed amphibious assaults on the island. Taiwan's defence ministry has stated that the planned drills violate United Nations rules, encroach on the island's territorial waters, and amount to a blockade of the island's air and sea space. The exercises could temporarily block access to some commercial shipping lanes and ports in Taiwan.

Advice

Plan for potential shipping congestion and delays. If possible, consider alternative transport for time-sensitive cargo. Confirm flights Aug. 4-7 if traveling through airports in Taiwan as a precaution.