China has announced significant military drills around Taiwan, mobilizing its army, navy, air force, and rocket units. This action is aimed at testing combat readiness and sending a stark warning against any moves towards Taiwanese independence.
Overview of China’s Military Drills
The military exercises, dubbed the “Just Mission 2025,” involve operations across five maritime areas surrounding Taiwan. These include sections of the Taiwan Strait and surrounding waters to the north, southwest, southeast, and east of the island. The drills will impose sea and airspace restrictions for 10 hours starting at 8:30 a.m. local time.
Objectives of the Drills
According to Shi Yi, spokesperson for China’s Eastern Theater Command, the drills will focus on:
- Training for sea and air combat readiness patrols.
- Seizing comprehensive control of key maritime zones.
- Blockade and control operations regarding critical ports.
This latest military exercise takes place following an $11.1 billion arms deal between the United States and Taiwan, which included advanced weaponry such as HIMARS rocket systems and military software. Tensions have further escalated due to Japan’s Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, stating that Japan could respond militarily if China attempted to assert control over Taiwan.
Reactions to the Military Exercises
The Taiwanese government has condemned the drills. Presidential spokesperson Karen Kuo stated that the exercises “blatantly undermine the security and stability” of the Taiwan Strait and the broader Indo-Pacific region. She further remarked that such actions “openly challenge international laws and order.”
China’s Stance on Taiwan
China’s Communist Party regards Taiwan as part of its territory, despite never having governed the island. The drills are seen as a direct warning to both “Taiwan independence” supporters and external forces intervening in the region.
Shi Yi emphasized that these exercises are a “legitimate and necessary action” to maintain national sovereignty and unity, reflecting China’s commitment to asserting its claims over Taiwan amid rising tensions with the West.
