China launched extensive joint military drills around Taiwan involving land, naval, air and missile forces, issuing a sharp warning to separatists and foreign powers.
China has launched large-scale joint military exercises involving ground, naval, air, and missile forces around Taiwan, describing the drills as a stern warning to pro-independence forces and foreign interference.
The People’s Liberation Army said units moved into position early Monday, with live-fire drills set to begin Tuesday under an operation dubbed “Joint Mission 2025.” Five zones surrounding Taiwan will be placed under temporary air and maritime restrictions lasting up to ten hours.
China’s eastern theatre command said the exercises are aimed at testing joint combat readiness, precision strike capabilities, and coordination across multiple military branches. State media released imagery portraying the drills as a defensive response to what Beijing calls separatist threats.
Taiwan’s defence ministry said it was closely monitoring Chinese movements, activating surveillance systems and maintaining a heightened state of readiness, while urging calm among the public.
Tensions across the Taiwan Strait have steadily intensified in recent years as Beijing has increased military pressure on the island, which China considers part of its territory despite Taiwan’s self-governance and democratic system.
Western governments, including the United States and its allies, have repeatedly expressed concern that such military drills risk miscalculation, warning that stability in the Taiwan Strait is vital to global trade, particularly semiconductor supply chains.
The latest drills follow recent announcements by Washington approving major arms sales to Taiwan, moves Beijing strongly opposes and views as direct interference in its internal affairs.
With both sides boosting military preparedness, analysts warn that sustained military posturing around Taiwan raises the risk of escalation, further complicating already fragile relations between China, Taiwan, and major global powers.
