Taipei: The Chinese military initiated extensive exercises around Taiwan, deploying troops, naval vessels, air force, and artillery with live firing. These military maneuvers come as a direct response to a significant arms purchase from the United States.

According to Thai News Agency, the Eastern Command of the People's Liberation Army of China announced the commencement of exercises codenamed Justice Mission 2025. These drills are situated in areas north and southwest of the Taiwan Strait and involve live-fire training along with simulated attacks on both land and sea targets. The exercises are set to intensify with plans to focus on blockading Taiwan's main ports and encircling the island in the coming days.

Taiwanese security officials reported the presence of numerous Chinese naval vessels and aircraft conducting operations near Taiwan, with some intentionally nearing the contiguous zone, just 24 nautical miles from the Taiwanese coast. In response, the Taiwanese government has condemned these actions. The Ministry of Defense released a video highlighting its military capabilities, including a mobile artillery system capable of hitting targets in Fujian Province across the Taiwan Strait, underscoring their readiness to act swiftly if needed.

Analysts have noted that China's military exercises, which have become indistinguishable from attack preparations, serve as a strategic warning to the United States and its allies regarding China's readiness to engage militarily. A spokesman for the Eastern Command emphasized that the exercises are a stern warning to Taiwanese separatists and external interference forces.

This military demonstration marks the sixth large-scale exercise around Taiwan since the visit of then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in 2022. It follows closely on the heels of the U.S. government's announcement of its largest arms sale to Taiwan, valued at $11.1 billion, just 11 days prior.