By Zoila Palma: China has launched military drills around Taiwan, simulating the seizure and blockade of key areas on the self-ruled island, in what Beijing describes as a warning against “separatist forces.”
The exercises involve the Chinese army, navy, air force, and rocket force, including live-fire drills, according to the Chinese military, BBC reports.
The maneuvers, codenamed “Justice Mission 2025,” come shortly after the United States announced the sale of an $11 billion weapons package to Taiwan, a move that drew sharp protests from Beijing and sanctions on U.S. defense firms.
Taiwan has strongly criticized the drills, calling them a challenge to international norms.
Its defense ministry reported detecting 89 Chinese military aircraft and 28 warships and coastguard vessels near Taiwan.
Taiwan has deployed its own missile systems and forces to monitor the situation and remains on “high alert” to defend the island and “protect our people.”
Meanwhile, the Chinese Eastern Theater Command described the drills on social media as a “shield of justice,” warning that “all those plotting independence will be annihilated upon encountering the shield.”
Beijing’s foreign ministry also weighed in, calling the drills a “severe punishment for separatist forces seeking independence through force” and cautioning external powers against “using Taiwan to contain China.”
The ministry emphasized that “any sinister schemes to obstruct China’s reunification are doomed to fail.”
While China officially promotes “peaceful reunification,” it maintains a law allowing “non-peaceful means” to prevent Taiwan’s “secession,” accusing President Lai Ching-te of pursuing independence.
Lai, however, asserts that Taiwan is already sovereign and seeks only to maintain the status quo.
The drills are expected to continue throughout Tuesday from 08:00 to 18:00 local time, prompting Taiwan’s transport ministry to divert international and domestic flights away from the exercise zones, affecting more than 100,000 passengers. China has regularly conducted military exercises near Taiwan in recent years, often in response to perceived threats such as U.S. engagement or Taiwanese political developments. This week’s drills are the first under Yang Zhibin, the new chief of the Eastern Theater Command.
Taiwan, in turn, has increased its defense readiness, holding its own military exercises, including this year’s 10-day Han Kuang drill, the longest and largest to date.
President Lai has vowed to boost defense spending and enhance the island’s capabilities, announcing the construction of a dome-like air defense system to protect against “hostile threats,” underscoring Taiwan’s commitment to safeguarding its population amid rising tensions with Beijing.
The post International News: China conducts military drills around Taiwan as tensions rise appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: China has launched military drills around Taiwan, simulating the seizure and blockade of key areas on the self-ruled island, in what Beijing describes as a warning against “separatist forces.” The exercises involve the Chinese army, navy, air force, and rocket force, including live-fire drills, according to the Chinese military, BBC reports. The
The post International News: China conducts military drills around Taiwan as tensions rise appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.