China launches large-scale military exercises around Taiwan with live firing
China on Monday, 29 December, launched a large-scale military exercise, Just Mission 2025, around Taiwan. The manoeuvres are taking place in five sea areas and airspace near the island and include live firing. This was reported by the Eastern Command of the People's Liberation Army of China, DW.
According to the Chinese military, the exercises are aimed at practicing joint sea and air patrols, establishing integrated control, blocking key ports and deterring possible interference from external forces. The main stage with firing is scheduled for 30 December from 08:00 to 18:00 local time. Foreign vessels and aircraft are advised to refrain from entering the designated areas.
This is China's first such large-scale manoeuvres near Taiwan since April. They come on the heels of the United States' approval of a record-breaking military aid package to Taipei worth more than $11 billion, including HIMARS systems, Javelin missiles, drones and artillery.
Taiwan, with a population of about 23 million, has had its own administration since 1949, but Beijing considers the island its province and does not rule out the use of force. The Chinese leadership has repeatedly stated its intention to establish control over Taiwan by 2027, while the United States does not formally recognise its independence but supplies defensive weapons in accordance with a 1979 law.
