Post by : Badri Ariffin

Hong Kong – 29 December 2025: China has mobilized air, naval, and missile forces for extensive joint military exercises around Taiwan, characterizing the initiative as a "stern warning" against separatist elements and external interference.

Taiwan's Ministry of Defense reported that its military is on alert, engaging in rapid response drills and ensuring combat readiness. Officials denounced China's actions as aggressive and destabilizing, asserting that Beijing is the "greatest threat to peace."

These drills come in the wake of recent U.S. arms sales to Taiwan and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's statements regarding possible military support if China takes action against Taiwan. However, China's military announcement did not cite the U.S. or Japan directly.

Senior Colonel Shi Yi from China's Eastern Theater Command noted that the exercises encompass the Taiwan Strait and regions to the north, southwest, southeast, and east of Taiwan. The focus will be on readiness for maritime and aerial combat, executing joint operations, blockading strategic ports, and delivering precise strikes on moving ground targets.

Shi proclaimed, "The operation is a legitimate and necessary measure to safeguard China's sovereignty and promote national unity."

Conducted from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, the drills will feature live-fire exercises alongside the synchronized deployment of fighters, bombers, drones, and long-range missiles. Additionally, thematic posters promoting the drills have been shared online under the slogan "Shield of Justice, Smashing Illusion."

In recent developments, Beijing enacted sanctions against 20 U.S. defense firms and 10 executives following an announcement by Washington regarding over $10 billion in potential arms sales to Taiwan, a deal that would mark a historic peak if Congress approves.

Karen Kuo, spokesperson for the Taiwanese president, condemned China's military actions as infringements of international standards that endanger regional stability. In response to the growing military pressure from China, Taiwan has accelerated the advancement of its "Taiwan Shield" air defense initiative.

Calls for peace echo amid escalating tensions, with Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an stressing the importance of transforming the Taiwan Strait into a symbol of stability and prosperity instead of conflict.

#Global News