'No worries': Trump downplays Chinese military drills around Taiwan

December 30, 2025

President Trump dismissed concerns about China's extensive military exercises around Taiwan, stating he maintains a strong relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping and noting that naval drills have occurred in the region for two decades. The Chinese military operations, which began Monday with live-fire exercises and over 130 aircraft deployments, came as a direct response to an $11 billion US weapons sale to Taiwan announced earlier this month. While Trump downplayed the significance of these drills, experts suggest China is demonstrating its military capabilities and expressing anger over American arms sales that now include offensive weapons capable of striking mainland China.

Who is affected

Taiwan (self-governed island and its armed forces)
United States (President Trump and his administration, defense firms facing sanctions)
China (President Xi Jinping, Chinese military's Eastern Theater Command, foreign ministry)
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te and Taiwanese citizens
Japan (mentioned as an audience for the drills)
US defense firms sanctioned by China

What action is being taken

China is conducting military drills around Taiwan with 10 hours of live-firing exercises involving destroyers, frigates, and fighter-bombers
Taiwan is monitoring the situation and has deployed aircraft, ships, and coastal missile systems in response
China is deploying over 130 military aircraft and multiple navy vessels around Taiwan
China has imposed sanctions on several US defense firms
Taiwan's military and national security team are working to ensure the country's safety

Why it matters

This situation matters because it represents escalating tensions in one of the world's most sensitive geopolitical flashpoints, where a major military confrontation could involve two nuclear powers. The drills demonstrate China's growing military capabilities and its willingness to use military pressure to advance its goal of reunification with Taiwan. The situation tests US commitment to Taiwan's defense under the Trump administration, with concerns that Trump's transactional diplomatic approach may weaken America's traditional support. The inclusion of offensive weapons in the recent US arms sale marks a shift that could alter the military balance and increase the risk of conflict affecting regional stability in the Asia-Pacific.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC