China will conduct army, navy, and air force exercises around Taiwan from December 30, closing maritime and airspace zones. The drills, named Justice Mission-2025, are a protest against the US arms deal with Taiwan and have sparked regional concerns.
China launches Justice Mission-2025 military drills around Taiwan.
Taipei: China’s military has announced plans to carry out extensive exercises involving its army, navy, and air force starting December 30. The maneuvers will include live-fire drills and the temporary closure of multiple maritime and airspace zones surrounding Taiwan. The exercises are officially called Justice Mission-2025 and aim to test China’s combat readiness while sending a message of deterrence regarding foreign support for Taiwan.
The ruling Communist Party of China considers Taiwan an inseparable part of Chinese territory and does not recognize its self-governing democratic status. Beijing has repeatedly expressed anger over the United States and Japan providing military and political support to Taipei. In response, China has launched several military exercises near Taiwan in recent years to warn Washington against endorsing Taipei’s independence or supplying arms.
The current drills follow the announcement of a significant $11.1 billion US arms package for Taiwan. The deal includes HIMARS rocket systems, anti-armour missiles, loitering drones, howitzers, and military software. China views this agreement as an infringement on its sovereignty and territorial integrity, prompting the large-scale military exercises as a show of force.
US seeks Greenland for strategic purposes; Denmark and EU oppose move
Taiwan’s presidential spokesperson, Karen Kuo, stated that the exercises blatantly undermine the security, stability, and status quo of the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region. Taiwan’s government has criticized the drills as an act of military intimidation aimed at destabilizing the region and deterring foreign support for the island’s defense.
The United States has reiterated its commitment to supporting Taiwan and defending its security. Meanwhile, Japan’s Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, warned that Japan could respond militarily if China attempted to take Taiwan by force. Beijing condemned the statement as a direct threat to Chinese sovereignty, further heightening regional tensions.
Turkey: Six ISIS militants killed in police operation; Three officers dead
China’s ongoing drills are viewed by the US, Japan, and Western nations as a threat to peace and security in the region. While the drills demonstrate China’s military strength and readiness, they also exacerbate tensions across the Taiwan Strait. The situation highlights the delicate balance of power in East Asia, where actions by Beijing, Washington, and Tokyo have far-reaching implications for regional stability.
