TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — In response to the People’s Liberation Army’s large-scale “Justice Mission 2025” exercise, the Taiwan Army deployed a combined-arms battalion from its 269th Mechanized Infantry Brigade to protect key facilities in Taoyuan as part of military-wide combat readiness drills on Monday.

A reconnaissance platoon was first sent to designated locations to establish security perimeters and provide cover for the main forces, Military News Agency reported. Brigade troops then maintained coordination with nearby ground units to maintain security.

Lieutenant Colonel Tsao (曹), commander of the combined-arms battalion, said the brigade used Clouded Leopard armored vehicles, CM11 tanks, drones, anti-armor systems, and artillery to provide point defense and fire support. The drills were designed to familiarize troops with a battlefield environment and their ability to respond under combat conditions, Tsao said.

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

In addition to deploying air, sea, and land forces, Taiwan’s defense ministry also activated an emergency response center to monitor the situation. All service members remain on high alert and are prepared to protect national sovereignty and ensure the safety of the Taiwanese, the ministry said.

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.