China Conducts Military Drills Around Taiwan to Warn Separatist Forces

Chinese-Taiwanese Military Exercises

China has announced plans to conduct military exercises around Taiwan, simulating the occupation and blockade of key areas of the island as a warning against "separatist forces." The drills, scheduled for Tuesday, will involve the army, navy, air force, and rocket force, including live-fire exercises, according to a statement from the Chinese military.

Named "Justice Mission 2025," the exercises come just days after the United States announced the sale of one of the largest arms packages to Taiwan, valued at $11 billion. This move has sparked intense protests from Beijing, which has imposed sanctions on U.S. defense companies.

The Presidential Office in Taiwan has criticized the Chinese military exercises, viewing them as a challenge to international norms. Taiwan's Ministry of Defense reported that it has detected Chinese aircraft and ships around the island, activating its own forces and missile systems to monitor the situation. Taiwanese forces are on "high alert" to defend Taiwan and "protect our people," according to the ministry.

In a message posted on Weibo, China's Eastern Theater Command described the upcoming military drills as a "shield of justice." The message read, "All those who conspire for independence will be annihilated upon meeting the shield!"

While China has always called for "peaceful reunification" with Taiwan, there exists a law stating that it will resort to "non-peaceful means" to prevent the island's "secession." Beijing has accused Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te of pursuing "Taiwan independence." The president asserts that Taiwan is already a sovereign nation and therefore does not need to formally declare independence.

The exercises occur amid rising tensions in the Taiwan Strait, where Beijing has ramped up military activities since 2022, often in response to perceived threats such as last year's visit by former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.