China has announced a major mobilization of its armed forces, including army, navy, air force and rocket units, around Taiwan to conduct live-fire military exercises following Taiwan’s $11 billion arms deal with the United States.
China says the exercises, dubbed “Mission Justice-2025,” are a serious warning to all separatist forces and external forces meddling in the island’s internal affairs.
The Eastern Theater Command of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) said the exercises would test the combat readiness of its troops and simulate the “blockade and control of major ports and critical areas.”
He added: “With ships and aircraft approaching Taiwan Island in close proximity from different directions, troops from multiple services are engaging in joint assaults to test their joint operations capabilities.”
Despite the condemnation of the Taiwanese authorities, the Chinese military considers this a legitimate and necessary action to safeguard China’s sovereignty and national unity.
The United States has yet to respond to the war exercises; However, Taiwan’s Defense Ministry condemned the exercises and accused China of raising tensions.
They also announced counter-exercises by their own forces to “defend democracy and freedom.”
China considers Taiwan its province and is preparing to annex it, and US intelligence reports suggest China could invade the island in 2027.
However, China has repeatedly urged Taiwan (formal name: Republic of China) to accept peaceful reunification but Taiwan rejects the offer and is strengthening its defenses to prepare for a possible invasion.
