The exercises, dubbed “Justice Mission 2025,” involve Chinese warships and fighter jets operating across five maritime zones surrounding Taiwan. The live-fire drills are expected to last about 10 hours and have disrupted flight paths in the region.
Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te said his government would not escalate tensions or provoke disputes. “We will act responsibly,” Lai wrote on Facebook, adding that military and security services were closely monitoring the situation.
Taipei warned its forces had been ordered to respond if there was a direct threat to the island’s security.
The drills follow Taiwan’s record USD 11 billion purchase of U.S. military equipment. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi condemned the sale and vowed strong opposition to continued American arms deliveries and pro-independence movements in Taiwan.
Observers say the drills may also be testing Japan’s reaction after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi recently suggested possible involvement in any Taiwan Strait conflict, leading to strained ties between Tokyo and Beijing.
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Source: Polskie Radio, Reuters