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China launches military exercises simulating Taiwan blockade
Beijing has deployed army, navy, air force, and rocket units in drills codenamed "Justice Mission 2025," describing them as a response to "separatist forces" and foreign interference.
Drills follow US arms sale and Taiwan's defense upgrades
The exercises began days after Washington approved an $11 billion weapons package for Taiwan, drawing sharp condemnation from Beijing. China imposed sanctions on US defense firms in retaliation.
Taiwan's efforts to strengthen its military this year have further strained relations. Beijing claims the self-governing island as its territory and opposes any moves toward formal independence.
Taiwan detects Chinese forces, raises alert level
Taiwan's defense ministry reported Chinese aircraft and vessels near the island Monday morning. Taipei has deployed its own forces and missile systems to monitor the situation, stating its military is on "high alert" to defend the island.
"Our forces will protect Taiwan and safeguard our people," the ministry said.
Beijing frames drills as "severe punishment" for separatism
China's Eastern Theater Command, overseeing the Taiwan Strait, called the exercises a "shield of justice" in a Weibo post, warning that "all those plotting independence will be annihilated."
At a press briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian labeled the drills a "severe punishment for separatist forces" and cautioned "external forces" against interfering in China's reunification efforts.
"Any sinister schemes to obstruct China's reunification are doomed to fail," Lin said.
Taiwan's president rejects Beijing's claims, emphasizes deterrence
President Lai Ching-te, whom Beijing accuses of pursuing independence, maintains Taiwan is already a sovereign nation. In a Sunday interview, he stated Taiwan must "raise the difficulty" for any potential Chinese invasion.
"Peace relies on real strength," Lai said, while affirming his administration's commitment to maintaining the status quo.
Most Taiwanese polls show support for preserving the current situation-neither unification with China nor formal independence.
Escalating military posturing on both sides
China has intensified drills near Taiwan since 2022, often citing perceived provocations like US-Taiwan engagements. In April, Beijing conducted live-fire exercises simulating strikes on key Taiwanese infrastructure.
Taiwan, meanwhile, held its largest-ever military exercise, Han Kuang, this year, focusing on preparedness and deterrence. Lai has pledged to increase defense spending and develop advanced systems, including a dome-like air defense network.
This week's drills, the first under new Eastern Theater Command chief Yang Zhibin, also target deterrence "outside the island chain," according to the Chinese military.
Regional tensions flare as Japan enters the fray
China-Japan relations have soured after Japanese lawmaker Sanae Takaichi suggested Japan's self-defense forces could intervene in a Taiwan conflict. Beijing lodged protests and warned citizens against traveling to Japan.
Earlier this month, Japan accused Chinese fighter jets of locking radars on its aircraft, while China accused Tokyo of "harassing" its forces during training.
