Beijing [China], December 29: China announced live-fire drills around Taiwan, publicly stating for the first time that the exercises around the island are aimed at deterring external military intervention.
Xinhua News Agency reported on December 29, citing spokesman Shi Yi of China's Eastern Theater Command, that many forces from the command have just begun a military exercise called "Justice Mission 2025" around Taiwan.
Accordingly, this military region is deploying army, navy, air force, and artillery troops to conduct exercises in the Taiwan Strait and in the northern, southwestern, southeastern, and eastern parts of Taiwan.
The exercise will focus on themes such as combat readiness patrols at sea and in the air, achieving overall superiority together, blockading key ports and areas, and comprehensive external deterrence.
"With ships and aircraft approaching Taiwan at close range from multiple directions, soldiers from various branches of the military are participating in coordinated attacks to test their joint operational capabilities," he stated.
According to Mr. Thi, the exercise was "a stern warning to separatist forces advocating for Taiwanese independence and external interference, and a legitimate and necessary action to protect China's sovereignty and national unity." The report did not specify how long the exercise lasted.
A statement from China's Eastern Theater Command indicated that live-fire exercises would take place on December 30, with restrictions on ships and aircraft in five areas around Taiwan starting at 8:30 a.m. and lasting for 10 hours.
Reuters, citing a statement from Taiwan's Presidential Office, called the exercise a "challenge to world law and order," accusing Beijing of using military threats. The office also stated that Taiwanese military and security units had a thorough understanding of the exercise beforehand and were fully prepared to ensure safety.
Although the People's Liberation Army (PLA) conducted port blockade exercises around Taiwan last year, this is the first time they have publicly stated that the exercises around the island are aimed at deterring external military intervention, according to Reuters.
The exercise began 11 days after the U.S. announced an $11.1 billion arms sale to Taiwan, the largest arms package ever for the island, sparking protests from China's Ministry of Defense and warnings that the military would "take strong measures" in response.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper
