The Chinese military has ordered a troop mobilization to prepare for a military exercise around Taiwan under the code name "Justice Mission 2025" on 30 Dec. The drill will simulate the seizure of the island and blockade of strategic areas, aiming to send a warning signal to "separatist forces" and "external forces" after the US approved a large arms sale to Taiwan. Meanwhile, the Taiwanese government has ordered the military to maintain the highest level of vigilance.

The Eastern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) announced a major military exercise on Tuesday (30 Dec), mobilizing the army, navy, air force, and missile forces to conduct live-fire drills and blockade key points around Taiwan.

This exercise, codenamed "Justice Mission 2025," comes just days after the United States announced one of its largest arms sale packages to Taiwan, valued at $11 billion USD (approximately 400 billion baht). This has deeply angered China, leading to sanctions against US defense companies.

The Eastern Theater Command of China stated on its Weibo social media that this exercise serves as a "Shield of Justice," declaring firmly, "Anyone who plans to split the territory will be eliminated when facing this shield."

Meanwhile, Taiwan's Presidential Office condemned China's actions as a challenge to international norms. Taiwan's Ministry of Defense reported detecting Chinese aircraft and warships circling the island since Monday, prompting deployment of forces and missile systems for maximum surveillance.

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen affirmed in a television interview that the government is committed to "maintaining the status quo" and will not provoke China. However, peace depends on "real strength," and Taiwan must enhance its self-defense capabilities to make China aware of the difficulties it would face if it attempts an invasion.

Against the backdrop of escalating tensions, this week's exercises mark the first under Yang Zhijin, the new commander of the Eastern Theater Command who assumed the position in October. Historically, China has used military drills to respond to significant events such as visits by senior US officials or the swearing-in of Taiwan’s leaders.

Additionally, Chinese law explicitly allows the use of "non-peaceful means" if Taiwan formally declares independence. Meanwhile, public opinion polls in Taiwan consistently show that most citizens want to maintain the "current status" — neither unification nor formal independence — in order to avoid war.

/BBC

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China Announces Large-Scale Justice Mission 2025 Military Exercise Surrounding Taiwan in Response to US $40 Billion Arms Sale