China stages war games around Taiwan as island puts forces on high alert

China’s military launched large-scale war games around Taiwan on Monday, deploying army, navy, air force and artillery units as part of its “Justice Mission 2025” drills, while Taiwan vowed to defend its democracy and mobilised troops to prepare for a potential attack.

China’s Eastern Theatre Command said the exercises would include live-fire drills on Tuesday, with sea and airspace restrictions imposed in five zones surrounding the island for 10 hours from 8:00 am local time. The drills mark Beijing’s sixth major round of exercises around Taiwan since 2022.

The manoeuvres follow the United States’ recent announcement of an $11.1 billion arms package for Taiwan and come amid heightened rhetoric from Beijing over its territorial claims. Chinese military officials said the drills involved fighter jets, bombers, drones and long-range rockets, with simulations of coordinated strikes and attacks on land-based targets.

Taiwan’s government condemned the exercises, urging Beijing not to misjudge the situation or undermine regional peace. The defence ministry said Chinese aircraft and ships had been operating around the island and that Taiwan’s military was on high alert, conducting rapid-response drills designed to counter a sudden escalation.

China said the exercises were intended as a warning to pro-independence forces and external interference, while state media reported the drills focused on blockading key Taiwanese ports. Taiwan rejected Beijing’s sovereignty claims, reiterating that only its people can decide the island’s future.