China Conducts Military Drills Near Taiwan
On Tuesday, China launched rockets into waters close to Taiwan during a significant live-fire exercise. This action serves as a warning to “separatist” forces and external influences, marking the largest military show of force against the island in the last eight months.
Footage published by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command documented troops firing rockets in northern Taiwan’s waters, with bombers taking off at night as part of the ongoing military siege.
This video emerged on day two of the extensive exercise named “Justice Mission 2025.” The drills, which began on Monday, involve encircling Taiwan with warships and aircraft, coupled with live-fire training, all amid heightened tensions following significant U.S. arms sales to Taipei.
Details of the Military Exercises
“Justice Mission 2025” comprises a coordinated deployment of ground troops, naval ships, fighter jets, drones, and artillery across seven maritime zones surrounding Taiwan.
Tuesday’s drills also featured long-range live-fire exercises, as reported by Li Xi, spokesperson for the PLA’s Eastern Theater Command, according to the state-run Xinhua news agency. Li stated that the exercise met its objectives.
The training included attacks on maritime targets and operations related to anti-aircraft and anti-submarine warfare. Additionally, a range of military vessels, including destroyers and frigates, engaged in mock assaults on maritime objectives.
Taiwan Reacts with Increased Defense Spending
Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense disclosed that the rocket launched by China landed within Taiwan’s 24 nautical mile boundary. Taiwanese leader William Lai Ching-de termed China’s ongoing military provocations as irresponsible for a global power, asserting that Taiwan is not looking to instigate any conflict.
The Ministry further indicated that, as of local time 6 a.m., 130 PLA aircraft, 14 naval vessels, and eight government ships were in action around the island. It also noted that 90 of the 130 sorties crossed the median line, entering Taiwan’s air defense identification zone.
Ongoing Tensions and Military Readiness
The PLA announced that a Chinese military drone captured aerial footage of Taipei 101, which Taiwan decried as a psychological warfare tactic. The drone’s post included a somewhat cheeky remark about its proximity to the city.
Amid these developments, Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense reported continued operations of Chinese military crews near its waters, with some close to Taiwan’s contiguous zone—around 24 nautical miles from the mainland.
Hsieh Chi-sheng, Taiwan’s chief intelligence officer, expressed that these live-fire drills not only heighten military pressure on Taiwan but may pose various risks for the international community and neighboring nations.
In response, Taiwan has put its military on high alert, prepared for rapid response drills should the situation escalate. The Ministry showcased its military capabilities, including U.S.-made systems, while the Coast Guard dispatched patrol vessels to monitor nearby Chinese movements.
China maintains that Taiwan is part of its territory and hasn’t ruled out the use of force to assert control. Taiwan, however, firmly rejects this claim, insisting that its future is solely for its people to decide.
