China’s military maneuvers threaten the German economy

Taiwan conflict

China’s showdown could paralyze Germany

With an unprecedented maneuver, China is putting pressure on Taiwan. A blockade, a war or just a demonstration of power? What is at stake now – and why Europe would be affected.

China is increasing military pressure on Taiwan more than ever before. During the large-scale maneuver “Mission Justice 2025,” warships, combat aircraft and missile units surround the democratically governed island. Beijing speaks of a warning to “separatist forces” and foreign supporters, as the US approves new arms shipments and Japan warns of escalation.

The conflict over Taiwan has long since become more than a regional power struggle. It touches on central questions of the international order, the global economy and Europe’s security. t-online explains the most important questions.

China has been holding the largest military exercise in its history around Taiwan since Monday. The exercise is called “Mission Justice 2025”. Troops from all branches of the armed forces are involved, including warships, fighter aircraft, bombers, rocket and artillery units. Among other things, attacks on sea and land targets, anti-aircraft defense, anti-submarine warfare and, for the first time on this scale, a possible blockade of the island are being practiced.

Rockets were also used on the second and, according to Chinese information, the last day. Journalists from the AFP news agency observed at least ten rockets being fired on Tuesday on the Chinese island of Pingtan, which is just a few kilometers from Taiwan.

The Taiwanese Ministry of Defense registered around 130 Chinese military aircraft as well as 14 warships and other government vessels around the island within 24 hours.

Beijing describes the maneuver as a “serious warning” to “separatist forces” in Taiwan and to foreign supporters. China wants to demonstrate military strength, create deterrence and show its ability to encircle Taiwan if necessary or to cut it off from sea and air traffic.

It is the sixth major military exercise of this type since 2022. Observers also see it as an attempt to test concrete attack scenarios. Beijing appears to be using the maneuvers to train attacks on targets on Taiwan, such as the US-supplied Himars missile system. This has a range of around 300 kilometers and could hit targets on the coast of southern China.