According to the agency's information, the maneuvers lasted about ten hours, during which missiles were launched both to the north and south of Taiwan. Units of the naval and air forces of the People's Liberation Army of China practiced strikes on maritime and aerial targets, as well as conducted anti-submarine operations in the vicinity of the island. State media emphasized China's technological and military capabilities.
The exercises, dubbed "Mission of Justice - 2025," began 11 days after the United States announced a record military aid package to Taiwan worth $11.1 billion. In response, the Chinese Ministry of Defense stated its intention to take "decisive measures." For the first time, it was emphasized that the maneuvers are aimed at deterring external interference.
"Any external forces attempting to interfere in the Taiwan issue or China's internal affairs will inevitably break their heads against the iron walls of the People's Liberation Army of China," stated the Taiwan Affairs Office of the Chinese government.
According to estimates, these exercises have become the sixth major round of military maneuvers since 2022 and are the largest in terms of area and proximity to Taiwan during this period. The maneuvers involve forces from the navy, air force, ground troops, and missile forces. The Chinese command called the exercises a "serious warning" to those advocating for "Taiwan independence," as well as to external players.
Earlier, on December 29, China reported on unscheduled live-fire exercises in five maritime areas off the coast of Taiwan and in the adjacent airspace in response to the island's purchase of American weapons.
