China Launches Military Drills Around Taiwan, Warning Against ‘Separatist Forces’

China has begun large-scale military drills around Taiwan, simulating the seizure and blockade of key areas of the island, in what Beijing described as a warning against “separatist forces”.

The exercises involve China’s army, navy, air force and rocket force and include live-fire drills, according to the Chinese military. The operation, codenamed “Justice Mission 2025”, comes days after the United States announced one of its largest arms sales to Taiwan, valued at around $11 billion, a move that drew strong protests from Beijing and prompted sanctions against US defence companies.

Taiwan’s defence ministry said it detected 89 Chinese military aircraft and 28 warships and coastguard vessels operating near the island on Monday. The ministry said it had deployed missile systems and additional forces to monitor the situation, adding that Taiwan’s military remains on high alert to defend the island and protect its population.

China’s Eastern Theater Command, which oversees the Taiwan Strait, described the drills in a social media post as a “shield of justice” and issued a warning against moves towards independence. The command said a major phase of the exercises would take place between 08:00 and 18:00 local time on Tuesday.

China’s foreign ministry said the drills were intended as a “severe punishment” for forces seeking independence and warned external powers against using Taiwan to contain China. A ministry spokesperson said any attempt to obstruct China’s reunification would fail.

Beijing claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has long called for peaceful reunification, while maintaining the right to use force to prevent formal secession. China has accused Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te of pursuing independence, a claim he rejects, saying Taiwan is already a sovereign state and does not need to declare independence.

In an interview aired on Sunday, Lai said Taiwan must continue strengthening its defences to deter any potential invasion while maintaining the status quo and avoiding provocation. He added that lasting peace depends on credible deterrence.

Opinion polls in Taiwan consistently show that most residents support maintaining the current situation, neither unifying with China nor declaring formal independence, as tensions across the Taiwan Strait remain high.