China Conducts Military Drills Near Taiwan Amid Rising Tensions

China has initiated significant live-fire military exercises surrounding Taiwan, deploying a range of military assets including warships, fighter jets, and drones. The Chinese government characterised these operations as a stern warning to those advocating for Taiwanese independence and foreign nations supporting the island. In response, Taiwan has placed its military on high alert, reaffirming its commitment to defend its democratic governance.

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense reported that, by mid-afternoon, it had identified 89 Chinese military aircraft and drones, with 67 encroaching into Taiwan's designated air defence zone. The exercises, dubbed 'Justice Mission 2025', are primarily focused on live-fire training directed at maritime targets in the northern and southwestern regions around Taiwan. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theatre Command indicated that the drills would involve various military branches, including destroyers, frigates, and rocket forces, and would extend into the following day.

Shi Yi, a spokesperson for the Eastern Theatre Command, stated, 'This operation serves as a serious warning to 'Taiwan Independence' separatist forces and external interference forces.' In light of these developments, Taiwan's military has activated response protocols and deployed necessary forces, asserting that all units remain vigilant and prepared to protect the island's democratic values.

A senior security official from Taiwan mentioned that numerous Chinese military vessels and aircraft were manoeuvring near the island, with some intentionally approaching Taiwan's contiguous zone, which extends 24 nautical miles from its coast. The Taiwanese defence ministry confirmed ongoing surveillance of Chinese naval and aerial activities, maintaining that its armed forces are on high alert. 'All members of our armed forces will remain highly vigilant and fully on guard, taking concrete action to defend the values of democracy and freedom,' the ministry affirmed.

The Taiwanese government has condemned the military drills, with the defence ministry showcasing various weaponry, including HIMARS rocket systems, on social media, emphasising the island's capability to target coastal areas in China's Fujian province should conflict arise. Additionally, the Taiwanese coast guard has mobilised large vessels to monitor Chinese coast guard activities near its waters while coordinating with military forces to ensure that shipping routes and fishing areas remain undisturbed.

China's military drills coincide with recent tensions following the United States' announcement of an $11.1 billion arms package to Taiwan, which Beijing vehemently opposed, indicating that it would take 'forceful measures' in response. Analysts suggest that these exercises are increasingly blurring the line between routine military training and preparations for potential military action, raising concerns about the reduced warning time for Taiwan and its allies.

The PLA's state media reported that the drills are designed to cut off strategic ports such as Keelung and Kaohsiung, highlighting the seriousness of the military's intentions. Propaganda posters released by the military featured slogans like 'Shields of Justice: Smashing Illusions' and 'Arrows of Justice: Control and Denial', with threats directed at foreign entities and Taiwanese separatists.

Tensions between China and Japan have also escalated, particularly after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested that any Chinese aggression towards Taiwan might prompt a military response from Japan. In response to these remarks, Beijing summoned Japan's ambassador and cautioned its citizens against visiting Japan.

China regards Taiwan as part of its territory and has not excluded the option of using military force to assert control over the self-governing island, which Taiwan disputes, asserting that only its population can determine its future. Lin Wei-ming, a resident of Taipei, commented, 'I think these drills are just meant to scare us. Similar drills have happened before... the political side of things can only be handled by Taiwan's current government and how they choose to respond.'

Despite the tensions, Taiwan's stock market showed resilience, rising by 0.8% to achieve a record high during morning trading, reflecting investor confidence amid the ongoing military exercises.