The operation, which involves the use of real ammunition, ships, fighter jets and port blockade simulations, comes after a billion-dollar sale of weapons from the US to Taipei and a warning from Japan about a possible reaction in the event of a Chinese attack.
China began large-scale military exercises around Taiwan this Monday (29/12), including live fire and simulated blockades of the island’s main ports. The new show of force comes after Beijing showed irritation with the approval of a billion-dollar arms sales package to Taipei by the United States, the island’s main security ally.
According to Chinese military sources, the actions included attacks on land and sea targets. Described as “a legitimate and necessary action to safeguard national sovereignty and unity”, the exercises involved destroyers, frigates, fighters, bombers and drones.
Actions against “external interference”
The recent maneuvers – the largest since April – are part of the “Mission Justice-2025” operation, presented by the Chinese authorities as a “serious warning” to separatist movements and against interference from foreign powers.
On Monday, Beijing warned that “external forces” arming Taipei would “push the Taiwan Strait into a dangerous situation of imminent war”, but did not mention any country directly by name. Any attempt to prevent China’s reunification with Taiwan is “doomed to failure”, warned Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian.
The maneuvers come amid growing tensions between China and the United States, after Washington approved an arms sales package for Taiwan valued at more than US$10 billion. Beijing responded with sanctions against 20 US defense companies. There was also friction with Japan after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested Tokyo could react militarily if China attacked Taiwan.
Taiwan Quick Response
Taiwan condemned what it called “disregard for international norms and use of military intimidation to threaten neighboring countries. The government further stated that it detected four Chinese coast guard ships sailing close to its northern and eastern coasts. In response, the Taiwanese coast guard deployed large vessels to strategic areas and sent additional support units.”
The Ministry of Defense also announced the creation of a response center, the deployment of military forces and the carrying out of rapid exercises. “The Chinese Communist Party’s maneuvers confirm its aggressor nature and make it the greatest destroyer of peace,” declared the ministry.
Taiwan has been governed autonomously since 1949, but Beijing considers the island an inalienable part of its territory and does not rule out the use of force to promote reunification. The Taiwanese government rejects this position and counts on military support from the United States, which maintains a legal commitment to help defend the island.
Originally published by DW on 12/29/2025
Source: https://www.ocafezinho.com/2025/12/29/china-simula-bloqueio-de-taiwan-em-megaexercicio-militar/
