China will conduct large-scale exercises off the coast of Taiwan
29 December 07:15
On December 30, China will conduct large-scale military exercises “Just Mission 2025” with the organization of live firing in five waters off the coast of Taiwan and the airspace near it. This was announced on Monday, December 29, by a representative of the Eastern Zone of the People’s Liberation Army of the People’s Republic of China, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports citing DW.
“This is a serious warning to the separatist forces acting in favor of Taiwan’s ‘independence’ and external forces interfering in its affairs, and is a legitimate and necessary measure to protect China’s sovereignty and national unity,” the Chinese military said in a statement.
China’s first major military exercises off the coast of Taiwan since April
The document notes that the exercise focuses on “preparing patrols for combat readiness at sea and in the air, establishing integrated control, blockading key ports and areas, and conducting multidimensional deterrence.”
This is China’s first major military exercise off the coast of Taiwan since April.
Washington approves arms sale to Taiwan
Earlier, the administration of US President Donald Trump approved the sale of an $11.1 billion (€9.4 billion) arms package to Taiwan. The package includes HIMARS multiple launch rocket systems, Javelin anti-tank missiles, Altius drones, howitzers, and components for other equipment, the Taiwanese government said on December 18.
The announcement of the arms delivery came amid China’s increased military and diplomatic pressure on Taiwan, which Beijing considers its rebel province. China is threatening to use force.
Beijing has criticized the planned arms sale to Taiwan. The Chinese Foreign Ministry said that this step would violate diplomatic agreements between China and the United States, cause serious damage to China’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, and undermine regional stability.
The conflict over Taiwan
Taiwan, with a population of about 23 million people, is a partially recognized democratic state that official Beijing considers a “rebel province” and part of the territory of the People’s Republic of China. The island’s authorities reject the “one country, two systems” model that Beijing has been promoting since the 1980s. In recent years, China has repeatedly conducted large-scale military exercises off the island’s coast, which a number of military analysts have viewed as a rehearsal for an invasion. The passage of warships from other countries through the strait separating Taiwan from mainland China is perceived in Beijing as a provocation.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has repeatedly stated that Taiwan is to be “reunited” with mainland China and has set the date for the establishment of Beijing’s sovereignty over the island at 2027. Trump’s second presidential term is due to end in early 2029.
Washington does not recognize Taiwan’s independence and has no diplomatic relations with Taipei. The United States sells weapons to the island under the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979. This document provides for the supply of arms for self-defense.
