TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of National Defense on Monday condemned China’s “Justice Mission 2025” military exercise.

China’s Eastern Theater Command announced drills that include patrols, blockade maneuvers, establishing deterrence, and gaining “complete control” of the surrounding area. Command Spokesperson Shi Yi said the exercise is “a stern warning against ‘Taiwan Independence’ separatist forces.”

The MND called the Chinese exercise “irrational, provocative actions,” and said it has activated an emergency response center and deployed forces to immediately conduct combat readiness drills, according to a ministry press release.

Taiwan’s existence is not an excuse for aggressors to undermine the status quo, the MND said. “China’s targeted military exercises further underscore its aggressive nature,” the ministry said, highlighting the need for Taiwan to bolster deterrence and defense capabilities. 

The defense ministry said that Taiwan does not underestimate China’s military capabilities. All service members remain on high alert and are prepared to protect national sovereignty and ensure the safety of the Taiwanese.

Earlier this month, the ministry ordered all units to carry out combat missions under decentralized operational guidance without waiting for orders if China attacks Taiwan. The ministry said it is closely monitoring key early-warning indicators of PLA activities targeting Taiwan and assessing current troop movements and potential future actions to maintain early warning and rapid response.