Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense has issued a new assessment, titled the “2026 China Military Power Report,” which warns that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is actively refining its capabilities to conduct a blockade of Taiwan. The report, submitted to the island’s legislature this week alongside a proposed defense budget and a five-year force development plan, suggests that recent military exercises conducted by the PLA are increasingly focused on joint operations designed to isolate the island.

In response to these developments, the Taiwanese government has stated that it is sharpening its own strategic plans to break any potential cordon. The ministry’s assessment highlights a shift in the PLA’s operational focus, moving toward more integrated and complex maneuvers that could be used to restrict maritime and aerial access to Taiwan. The report serves as a foundational document for Taiwan’s upcoming defense spending, signaling a shift in military priorities to address the perceived threat of a blockade. While the report outlines the PLA's evolving tactics, it also emphasizes Taiwan’s commitment to maintaining its defensive posture and ensuring the island remains connected to international trade routes despite potential military pressure from the mainland.