Taiwanese estimates reveal China spent roughly $21 billion on military exercises last year, a 40% increase from 2023. This includes extensive naval and air operations in the Taiwan Strait, South China Sea, and Western Pacific. The figure represents about 9% of China's reported defense budget, which is widely considered an underestimation. Increased activity included nearly 12,000 flights and over 86,000 naval sailings. Taiwan's military used surveillance data to calculate these costs, focusing on fuel and operational expenses. This information helps Taiwanese policymakers understand China's military expansion.

Prepared by Rachel Morgan and reviewed by editorial team.