China's military has announced a series of major drills around Taiwan, signaling a 'serious warning' against any attempts at independence. The drills, involving the army, navy, air force, and rocket units, are designed to test combat readiness and send a strong message to Taiwan's potential separatists and external forces. Taiwan's government has responded with condemnation, accusing China of 'military intimidation'. This move comes as a response to the US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taipei, which Beijing saw as a significant show of support for Taiwan. The drills, known as the 'Just Mission 2025', are being conducted by China's Eastern Theatre Command in five ocean blocks surrounding Taiwan, including the Taiwan Strait, the north, southwest, southeast, and east. These areas will be restricted for 10 hours starting from 8:30 a.m. local time. The focus of the drills is on 'sea-and-air combat readiness patrols, seizing comprehensive control', and 'blockade and control of key ports and critical areas', according to Shi Yi, spokesperson for the Eastern Theatre Command. The timing of these drills is particularly significant, following a substantial $11.1 billion arms deal between the US and Taiwan, which included advanced weaponry like HIMARS rocket systems and anti-tank missiles. This deal has further heightened tensions, especially after Beijing expressed anger over Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks, suggesting a potential military response if China were to take control of Taiwan by force. China's Communist Party asserts its claim over self-ruled and democratic Taiwan, despite never having controlled it. Taiwan's presidential spokesperson, Karen Kuo, has criticized the drills, stating they 'blatantly undermine the security and stability of the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region' and 'openly challenge international laws and order'. Kuo also expressed strong condemnation of China's disregard for international norms and its use of military intimidation to threaten neighboring countries.
