China has initiated live-fire military drills around Taiwan, simulating a blockade of major ports and targeting maritime assets. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) has characterized these exercises as a warning to what it terms "separatist" forces in Taiwan, amid escalating tensions in the region.

Military Exercises and Objectives
On Monday morning, the PLA deployed naval, air force, and rocket units to encircle Taiwan as part of the exercise named Justice Mission 2025. A spokesperson for the PLA's eastern theatre command, Colonel Shi Yi, stated that the drills serve as a "stern warning" against Taiwan's independence movements and external interference. The exercises include actions intended to safeguard China's sovereignty and national unity, reinforcing Beijing's claims over Taiwan, which it views as a breakaway province.

Taiwan's Response to Escalation
Taiwan's defense ministry condemned the drills, accusing Beijing of heightening tensions and undermining regional stability. The ministry reported that it had mobilized appropriate forces to respond and conduct its own combat-readiness exercises. It emphasized that defending democracy and freedom should not be misconstrued as provocation, and asserted that Taiwan's existence is not a legitimate reason for aggression from Beijing.

Navigational Safety Concerns
Taiwan's coast guard expressed concerns that the scale of the Chinese military drills poses a significant threat to navigational safety in Taiwanese waters and the operational rights of local fishermen. The drills are seen as part of a broader strategy by Beijing to prepare for potential military action against Taiwan, with U.S. intelligence suggesting that China aims to be capable of an invasion by 2027.

Context of Regional Tensions
These military exercises come in the wake of deteriorating relations between China and Japan, following comments from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi about possible military involvement should China attack Taiwan. Additionally, the U.S. government recently approved an $11 billion arms sale to Taiwan, further exacerbating tensions with Beijing. Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te has vowed to enhance Taiwan's defenses and achieve a "high level of combat preparedness" by 2027, a stance that has drawn sharp criticism from Chinese officials.

Wrap-up
The live-fire drills conducted by China highlight the ongoing tensions in the Taiwan Strait and the broader implications for regional security. As both sides prepare for potential conflict, the situation remains precarious, with each nation asserting its sovereignty and military readiness.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team