TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — China’s Eastern Theater Command announced on Sunday it has launched a military exercise named “Justice Mission 2025” covering areas surrounding Taiwan.
Eastern Theater Command Spokesperson Shi Yi said in a Weibo post that the drills test the command’s joint combat capabilities. The exercise will deploy forces from the army, navy, air force, and rocket force to conduct patrols, practice blockade maneuvers, and gain “complete control” of the surrounding area. Forces will also simulate establishing deterrence.
Chinese naval vessels and aircraft will also carry out joint strike operations near Taiwan. The exercise is “a stern warning against ‘Taiwan Independence’ separatist forces,” Shi said, adding that “it is a legitimate and necessary action” to protect China’s sovereignty.
This is the first time the Eastern Theatre Command has mentioned deterrence to prevent foreign military intervention, Reuters reported. The command designated five zones around Taiwan for live-fire drills on Tuesday that will be subject to sea and airspace restrictions for 10 hours, beginning at 8:30 a.m., per Reuters.
Reuters pointed out that this is China's sixth large-scale military exercise since former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan in 2022. The exercise also follows Japan Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae's comment in November that Chinese military actions against Taiwan, such as a naval blockade, could prompt Japan to take action.
Taiwan’s Presidential Office Spokesperson Karen Kuo (郭雅慧) said in a statement on Monday that the military and national security agencies have complete situational awareness and have made thorough preparations. Kuo criticized the exercise, saying that it undermines stability in the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region and challenges international law and order.
“Taiwan strongly condemns the Chinese authorities for disregarding international norms and using military intimidation to threaten neighboring countries,” Kuo said.
She called on Beijing to exercise restraint and cease such “irresponsible and provocative actions.”
