China’s military begins live-fire drills around Taiwan, warning against independence moves and external interference amid regional tensions
BEIJING: China’s military has launched major exercises around Taiwan, testing combat readiness and issuing a “stern warning” against moves toward independence. The “Just Mission 2025” drills involve army, naval, air force and rocket force units.
The Eastern Theatre Command announced the drills will include live-fire exercises. It published a graphic demarcating five zones around the island under sea and air space restrictions for 10 hours.
This marks China’s sixth major round of war games since 2022. The drills follow heightened Chinese rhetoric after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested a hypothetical attack on Taiwan could trigger a response from Tokyo.
“This serves as a serious warning to ‘Taiwan Independence’ separatist forces and external interference forces,” said Shi Yi, a spokesperson for China’s Eastern Theatre Command. The exercise focuses on maritime and aerial combat readiness patrols and sealing off key areas.
The military released a poster titled “Shields of Justice: Smashing Illusions,” featuring PLA insignia. Taiwan’s defence ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
While the PLA practiced port blockades last year, this marks the first time it has publicly stated drills are aimed at “deterrence” of outside military intervention. The exercises began 11 days after the U.S. announced a USD 11.1 billion arms sale to Taiwan.
China’s defence ministry protested the U.S. arms sale, warning the military would “take forceful measures” in response.
