TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — India said Friday it is watching the situation in the Indo-Pacific following China’s recent military drills around Taiwan.
“We urge all concerned parties to exercise restraint, eschew unilateral action and resolve all issues through peaceful means without threat or use of force,” Indian Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at a regular press conference, per CNBC.
Jaiswal said India monitors developments in the Indo-Pacific, a region he described as critical to the country’s trade, economic interests, and maritime security, per CNA. Approximately NT$77.44 trillion (US$2.45 trillion) in trade moves through the Taiwan Strait each year.
China carried out its “Justice Mission–2025” exercise around Taiwan on Dec. 29 and Dec. 30, deploying warships and military aircraft. It also conducted live-fire drills in the waters and airspace surrounding the country.
President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said Taiwan is determined to defend its sovereignty in the face of increasing Chinese aggression. He plans to boost defense spending by NT$1.26 trillion though the proposal has been stuck in political deadlock.
In 2022, India accused China of militarizing the Taiwan Strait after the Yuan Wang 5 military research vessel docked at Colombo, Sri Lanka.
