BEIJING, Dec 29 – China's military has repositioned its army, navy, air force, and rocket force units around Taiwan for its military exercises called “Just Mission 2025.” These drills are intended to test combat readiness and send a strong message against any moves toward Taiwan's independence.
The Eastern Theatre Command announced that live-fire exercises will take place on Tuesday. They released a statement with a map showing five zones around the island that will be restricted in terms of air and sea space for 10 hours starting at 8:30 a.m. (0030 GMT).
This is the sixth significant round of military exercises by China since 2022, which began after former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan. The drills come in response to increasing claims from China after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested that a potential Chinese attack on Taiwan could lead to a military response from Japan.
Shi Yi, a spokesperson for China's Eastern Theatre Command, stated that these drills serve as a serious warning to those promoting "Taiwan Independence" and external forces interfering in the region.
The exercises will focus on improving readiness for maritime and aerial combat, gaining control of key areas, sealing off important ports, and implementing a multi-dimensional deterrence strategy.
The military also released a poster named “Shields of Justice: Smashing Illusions,” featuring two gold shields with the Chinese People’s Liberation Army logo and the Great Wall of China, alongside images of military aircraft and ships.
Taiwan's defense ministry has not yet responded to requests for comments.
While the People’s Liberation Army practiced port blockades around Taiwan in last year's exercises, this is the first time they explicitly mentioned that the purpose of these drills is to deter foreign military intervention.
The drills come just 11 days after the U.S. announced a record $11.1 billion arms sale to Taiwan, which prompted a protest from China’s defense ministry and warnings of "forceful measures" in retaliation.