China conducts military exercises in the vicinity of Taiwan as a caution to ‘separatist factions’

China is conducting military exercises around Taiwan that mimic the takeover and blockade of crucial areas on the island, as a caution against “separatist elements”.

The ground, naval, aerial forces, and rocket unit have been mobilized for the drills which feature live ammunition practice, according to the Chinese armed forces.

Named “Justice Mission 2025”, the maneuvers are occurring shortly after the US declared the provision of one of its most extensive arms packages to Taiwan valued at $11bn (£8.2bn). This action provoked strong condemnation from Beijing, which subsequently imposed sanctions on US defense companies.

Taiwan’s efforts to enhance its military capabilities this year have also provoked ire from Beijing, which asserts ownership of the self-governing island.

Taiwan’s presidential office has denounced the impending Chinese exercises, labeling them a defiance of global standards.

Taiwan’s defense ministry noted that they spotted Chinese aircraft and vessels near Taiwan on Monday morning and have activated their own units and missile systems to observe the ongoing situation. Their forces are on “high alert” to protect Taiwan and “safeguard our citizens,” the ministry stated.

In a statement on Weibo, the Chinese Eastern Theater Command responsible for the Taiwan Strait described the forthcoming military training as a “justice shield”.

“All those conspiring for independence will face annihilation when they confront the shield!” read the statement.

Although some preliminary exercises have initiated, the military indicated a significant drill will be held from 08:00 to 18:00 local time on Tuesday.

While China has long sought “peaceful reunification” with Taiwan, it also stipulates a law that allows it to use “non-peaceful means” to avert the island’s “secession”.

Beijing has accused Taiwan’s president Lai Ching-te of endorsing “Taiwan independence”. The president asserts that Taiwan is already an independent nation and hence does not require a formal declaration of independence.

On Sunday, Lai mentioned during a local television discussion that Taiwan must “continue to increase the difficulty so [China] can never achieve the criteria” for an invasion.

He also remarked that his administration is dedicated to “maintaining the current situation” and would not instigate conflicts with China – while emphasizing that peace depends on “genuine strength”.

Surveys consistently indicate that the majority of Taiwanese individuals prefer the “current situation”, meaning they neither wish to unite with China nor formally state independence.

Since 2022, Beijing has increased military drills in the Taiwan Strait, generally in reply to what it perceives as threats such as former US Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan in 2022 and Lai’s inauguration in 2024.

China’s previous live-fire drill in the Taiwan Strait, conducted in April, simulated attacks on vital ports and energy infrastructure, as the People’s Liberation Army reported at that time. Alongside the drills, the Chinese military released a series of cartoons portraying Lai as a “parasite”.

This week’s military exercises are the first under Yang Zhibin, the newly appointed chief of the Eastern Theater Command, who took on the position in October.

Taiwan also conducts its military drills to ready its populace for potential attacks and demonstrate its defense capabilities to Beijing. This year’s Han Kuang exercise, spanning 10 days, represented the largest and longest conducted so far.

Since assuming office, Lai has pledged to enhance defense funding and bolster the island’s defense capabilities amid rising tensions with Beijing.

In October, the Taiwanese president announced plans for a dome-like air defense system to shield against “hostile threats” – albeit without explicitly naming China.

This week’s drills in the Taiwan Strait also aim to deter any actions “beyond the island chain,” according to China’s military.

Relations between China and Japan have soured significantly after Japanese leader Sanae Takaichi implied last month – in response to a parliamentary inquiry – that Japan’s self-defense forces might intervene if China aggressed against Taiwan.

China has expressed strong objections and cautioned its citizens against traveling to Japan. Earlier this month, Japan protested after Chinese fighter jets locked radar systems onto Japanese planes, while Beijing accused Tokyo of “harassment” during a military training operation.