From France24 · · 1m 30s
China's Military Drills Near Taiwan
China conducts military exercises near Taiwan without declaring a blockade, according to analysts.
In brief
China conducts military exercises near Taiwan without declaring a blockade, according to analysts. China's military maneuvers near Taiwan are training exercises, not an invasion, as analysts confirm. Originally reported by France24.
X Post Claims Taiwan Annexation
A post on X from November 5, 2026, claims China takes over Taiwan with an animated map showing Chinese military control.
“Just in: China takes over Taiwan”
Social Media Misrepresents Exercises
Social media users claimed this video documented Chinese army exercises near Taiwan, but it presents an erroneous interpretation of military actions.
“it presents an erroneous interpretation of the military actions underway”
Military Deployment Since November 2
China deployed 100 ships and 49 aircraft near Taiwan since November 2, according to Taiwan's National Security Council and Ministry of National Defence.
“Joseph Wu, the secretary general of Taiwan’s National Security Council, reported on November 3 that 100 ships from the Chinese navy and coast guard were in the western Pacific”
Analyst Says No Blockade
Emmanuel Véron, an associate researcher at HEC Paris, states the claim of a blockade is false and that operations are winding down.
“This claim is absolutely false”
Suspicious Account Shares Map
The account sharing the map, Fablex, claims to be in California but is based in Uganda, suggesting it is a clickbait account.
“Fablex’s account has contradictory information about its location”
Civilian Ships Still Moving
Civilian ships continue to circulate Taiwan, with one container ship entering the Taiwan Strait on November 3.
“The container ship One Hanoi left the Kaohsiung port in the south of Taiwan on November 3”
Gigantic Naval Operation
China conducts a massive naval operation involving 100 ships, coast guard, and auxiliary vessels across multiple fronts.
“For several days now, we’ve seen a gigantic naval operation underway”
Simulation, Not Invasion
Analysts confirm these exercises are simulations to train, test, and exert pressure on Taiwan, not an imminent invasion.
“We are not going to wake up tomorrow to an operation where Taiwan is being taken by force”
The takeaway
China's military maneuvers near Taiwan are training exercises, not an invasion, as analysts confirm.
