China is preparing for a possible attack on Taiwan – what’s behind it?

1. Increased military presence and exercises

China has significantly increased its military activities around Taiwan since the beginning of 2025. According to current analyses, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) is conducting systematic air and naval maneuvers—including increased overflights across the so-called median line of the Taiwan Strait, a large-scale presence of warships and convoys, and helicopter and drone operations to encircle the island.

In addition, "Strait Thunder‑2025A" in April included live‑fire exercises with aircraft carriers (including the Shandong ), cruise missiles, and long‑range missiles, including targeted practice strikes against port and energy infrastructure.

2. Development of amphibious capabilities

China is actively developing special amphibious units for a possible invasion. New mobile pontoon landers—so-called Shuiqiao ships—have been built and tested near Guangzhou. These could transport amphibious assault vehicles, tanks, and artillery across coastal areas and facilitate landing operations beyond long-range defensive beaches.

3. Large-scale maneuvers around Taiwan

In 2024, the Joint Sword 2024 exercise series took place around Kinmen, Matsu, and Taiwan, featuring combined air, sea, missile, and coastal coast guard operations, live fire, and realistic blockade and landing drills. This practice continued in 2025 (“Channel Thunder” in April).

4. Cyber and information warfare

In parallel with its conventional arms buildup, China is intensively gearing up for cyber and information operations. PLA-backed units are developing strategies for disinformation, deepfake campaigns, and digital warfare – leveraging major tech companies.

5. Legal preparations

Observers note that China is also acting legally with foresight: appropriate laws and frameworks have been created to justify military action under international law .

6. Political context & threat scenario

China is using economic sanctions as leverage: for example, export bans against eight Taiwanese companies to weaken their defense capabilities, accompanied by harsh rhetoric . At the same time, China is calling Taiwanese self-determination "separatism" and signaling its willingness to take action .

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Why this development is worrying

1. Pace and scope : China's build-up is systematic and long-term – towards a massive, highly coordinated war machine .

2. Compact warfare options : Blue water navies, pontoon bridges, cyberattacks, missile battle groups – all these point to a full-scale warfare capability.

3. Timetable and objectives : Western intelligence services and Taiwanese experts in particular see 2027 as the target year – as the end point for intensive war preparations and the fastest possible takeover of Taiwan .

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Conclusion – Significance for the international stage

China is currently conducting a comprehensive buildup of conventional, amphibious, cyber, and legal capabilities—and is effectively preparing for a potential attack on Taiwan. What appears to be "mere" maneuvers is part of a long-term strategy. The ongoing, large-scale PLA exercises, the construction of near-invasion infrastructure, and the enormous pace of military growth pose a serious threat.

Taiwan's recent reinforcement of its reservists, the addition of Western air defense systems, and extensive civil-comradeship crisis exercises are direct responses to Beijing's escalation. The international community must therefore prepare for increased tensions and strategic stability in the Western Pacific.