Chicago – December 29, 2025
China has initiated large-scale military exercises encircling Taiwan, simulating the seizure and blockade of key island areas to deter “separatist forces.”
The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) deployed army, navy, air force, and rocket units for joint operations, including live-fire drills. Preliminary patrols began Monday, with a major exercise scheduled for Tuesday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. local time, restricting access to hazardous zones around ports like Keelung. Beijing’s Eastern Theater Command described the maneuvers as a “shield of justice,” vowing to annihilate independence plots.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian labeled the drills “severe punishment” for forces seeking independence via external support, asserting schemes to block reunification will fail. Taiwan’s transport ministry rerouted flights, affecting over 100,000 passengers, while its defense forces raised alerts.
These actions mark the latest escalation since 2022, following U.S. arms sales and visits by figures like Nancy Pelosi. Taiwan condemned the moves as irrational provocations undermining regional stability.
