China's military commenced its "Justice Mission 2025" exercises on 29/12. On the second day of the drills, Chinese units conducted long-range live-fire training in the waters north of Taiwan.
Residents on Haidan, an island in Fuzhou city and Taiwan's closest neighbor, reported seeing a barrage of at least 10 rockets launched consecutively around 9h (8h Hanoi time).
On the same day, China's military also deployed numerous destroyers, frigates, fighter jets, and bombers. These forces engaged in training for identification and verification, warning and expulsion, simulated attacks, maritime target strikes, air defense, and anti-submarine warfare.
Chinese rocket artillery fires a barrage of rockets during drills near Taiwan on 30/12. Video: PLA, AFP
According to China's Eastern Theater Command, the drills in the northern and southern waters of Taiwan aim to "test joint sea and air combat capabilities, as well as coordinated blockade and control".
China Central Television (CCTV) reported that a core component of the exercises is the "blockade of key Taiwanese ports, including Keelung in the north and Kaohsiung in the south of the island".
Chinese military spokesperson Shi Yi stated that these activities "serve as a stern warning to separatist forces advocating for Taiwan's independence and are a legitimate action to safeguard China's sovereignty and territorial integrity".
Taiwanese officials reported that China's large-scale exercises "affected several maritime and air transport routes". Dozens of flights to Kinmen and Matsu, two islands controlled by Taipei close to mainland China, were canceled, impacting 6,000 passengers. Over 850 international flights also faced schedule changes.
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The location of 5 live-fire drill areas for the Chinese military around Taiwan on 30/12. Graphics: China's Eastern Theater Command
Taiwan's defense agency detected 130 military aircraft, 14 naval vessels, and 8 public service ships from China near the island within 24 hours. Taiwan deployed a total of 14 ships to monitor the Chinese warships.
A spokesperson for Taiwan's defense agency criticized China's military exercises, stating that these activities "seriously undermine regional peace and stability". Meanwhile, many residents on the island indicated they are accustomed to such drills and do not feel worried.
"There have been many such exercises and drills over the years," said fisherman Chiang Sheng-ming in Taipei.
"If one is steadfast, there is nothing to worry about," fruit seller Tseng Chang-chih added.
China consistently views Taiwan as a province awaiting reunification and states a preference for peaceful means, but maintains readiness to use force if necessary. The last time China conducted large-scale live-fire drills around Taiwan was in April.
These exercises follow the United States' approval of an arms sale worth nearly 11 billion USD to Taiwan, a move strongly opposed by Beijing. The activities also occur amid ongoing tensions between Beijing and Tokyo, following comments related to Taiwan by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
Nguyen Tien (AFP, CCTV, Xinhua)
