China Conducts Military Exercises Around Taiwan as "Warning" to External Forces
China Conducts Military Exercises Around Taiwan
China has deployed air, naval, and missile troops in the waters surrounding Taiwan for military exercises, which, according to the Chinese military, aim to test combat readiness and send a "stern warning" against "separatist" forces and "external interference." The announcement was made on Monday amidst Beijing's dissatisfaction with the $11.1 billion arms sale to Taiwan by the United States and a statement from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggesting that the Japanese military could intervene in the event of a Chinese attack on the island.
Beijing regards Taiwan as part of its territory and has promised to take control of the island by force if necessary. The Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese military announced that it would deploy troops from the army, navy, air force, and missile forces in five areas around Taiwan for the “Just Mission 2025” exercise, which is set to begin on Tuesday. The live-fire drills will take place in the Taiwan Strait and the northern, southwestern, southeastern, and eastern regions of the island.
The exercises are described as a "serious warning" for pro-independence separatist forces in Taiwan and for external forces of interference. A separate statement included a map showing five major areas around the island where daytime live-fire activities will be organized. "For safety reasons, any incompatible vessels or aircraft are advised not to enter the specified waters and airspace," the statement read.
The planned exercises represent the sixth major round of military maneuvers conducted by China since 2022, following the visit to Taiwan by former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. According to the Xinhua news agency, these actions are considered "a legitimate and necessary measure to protect China's sovereignty and national unity."
During the exercises, Chinese ships and aircraft will approach Taiwan "from different directions," and troops from various services will "participate in joint assaults to test joint operational capabilities." The Chinese military also released a poster titled "Justice Shields: Shattering Illusions,” and the current exercises mark a shift in the public statements of the PLA, highlighting the aim to deter foreign military intervention around the island.
In this context, Taiwan announced that it had deployed aircraft and naval assets, as well as missile systems to monitor Chinese activities, detecting three Chinese military aircraft and seven ships around Taiwan over the weekend. Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te emphasized that the island must increase the cost of aggression and strengthen its indigenous defense capabilities to deter China, insisting that peace can only be secured through strength.
