Thi Yi, a spokesperson for the Chinese military's Eastern Theater Command, announced that starting today, the country will deploy naval, ground, air, and missile forces for a large-scale exercise named "Mission Justice 2025" in the Taiwan Strait and areas north, southwest, southeast, and east of the island.

The exercises will focus on combat readiness patrols at sea and in the air, joint operations to gain superiority, blockading key ports and areas, and comprehensive deterrence beyond the island chain.

According to spokesperson Thi Yi, this operation serves as a "stern warning to separatist forces seeking 'Taiwan independence,' and is a legitimate and necessary action to safeguard China's national sovereignty and unity."

China's destroyer Yanan sails at sea in June. *AFP*

He stated that during the drills, Chinese warships and aircraft will approach Taiwan from multiple directions, while troops will conduct joint attack scenarios to test their coordinated combat capabilities.

In a separate announcement, the Eastern Theater Command stated that the live-fire exercises will take place from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on 30/12 in five areas around Taiwan island.

"To ensure safety, all unrelated vessels and aircraft are advised not to enter the aforementioned sea or airspace," the announcement stated.

Karen Kuo, a spokesperson for Taiwan's leader's office, condemned the exercises as an act that "disregards international norms and uses military measures for intimidation." Taiwan's defense forces announced they have established a response center, deployed "appropriate forces," and initiated rapid response drills.

China consistently views Taiwan as an inseparable part of its territory and is prepared to use all means to achieve reunification. Chinese leaders have repeatedly affirmed that they do not rule out the use of force to reclaim the island, although their general policy remains dialogue and peaceful reunification.

Locations of the five areas where the Chinese military will conduct live-fire exercises around Taiwan island on 30/12. *Graphic: China's Eastern Theater Command*

The last time China conducted large-scale live-fire exercises around Taiwan was in April. This new move comes after China announced it would take "resolute and strong measures" to protect its territory, following the US approval of an arms sale worth nearly USD 11 billion to Taiwan.

Beijing last week announced new sanctions targeting 20 US defense companies, despite these firms having little to no business operations in China.

China also reacted strongly last month after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi warned that Tokyo might take military action if Taiwan were attacked. Taiwan is located approximately 100 km from Japan's closest island.

Pham Giang (According to AFP, Global Times, Xinhua)