December 29, 2025, 11:49December 29, 2025, 11:49
China has once again begun a large-scale military exercise around Taiwan. As the state news agency Xinhua reported, citing the Chinese military, the “Mission Justice 2025” exercise had begun. Practices take place in the air and sea areas around Taiwan. The focus would be on combat readiness patrols, achieving comprehensive superiority and blockading important ports and areas.
A military spokesman described the exercises as a “serious warning”. Image: keystone
A military spokesman described the exercises as a “serious warning” to “separatist” forces. They are also a “legitimate and necessary” measure to preserve Chinese sovereignty and national unity, it said. Further shooting exercises were also announced for Tuesday in five designated zones around Taiwan. Uninvolved ships and aircraft should avoid these areas.
Biggest exercise since April
This is the largest Chinese maneuver off Taiwan since April. It follows new tensions with the US after Washington announced a large arms package for Taiwan.
External forces arming Taiwan would push the Taiwan Strait into a dangerous situation, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said after the exercise began. Any malicious action aimed at crossing a red line will be met with decisive countermeasures from China.
Taiwan condemns maneuvers
China’s army exercises almost daily in the region with warships and military aircraft. Beijing counts the island republic as part of its territory, even though it has had a democratically elected government independent of Beijing for decades. The People’s Republic wants to annex Taiwan and is threatening to use the military if this does not happen peacefully.
Taiwan strongly condemned the renewed Chinese military activities. China’s actions undermine security and stability in the region and represent an open challenge to international law and order, said a spokeswoman for the presidential office. The Taiwanese armed forces and security authorities are fully informed and prepared about the situation. (sda/dpa)
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