China mobilises army, navy and rocket forces in major drills around Taiwan, issues 'stern warning'

China’s military said on Monday it had mobilised army, navy, and rocket forces to conduct large-scale drills around Taiwan, describing the exercises as a test of combat readiness and a “serious warning” against any moves toward Taiwanese independence.

Beijing said the joint operations were aimed at strengthening coordination among different branches of its armed forces and deterring what it called separatist activities and “external interference.” The drills mark another escalation in pressure on Taiwan, which China claims as its territory and has increasingly encircled with military activity since 2022, following a visit by then US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Taiwan’s government condemned the exercises, accusing Beijing of “military intimidation” and warning that such actions undermine regional stability.

State news agency Xinhua reported that China will also carry out live-fire exercises around Taiwan on Tuesday, with sea and airspace restrictions imposed in five zones surrounding the island. A spokesperson for the Chinese military’s Eastern Theatre Command said the drills, named “Just Mission 2025,” would focus on naval and air force combat readiness and the ability to control key ports and strategic areas.

The Chinese military said it was dispatching air, naval and rocket units as part of the joint drills, calling them a “stern warning” to separatist forces.

The exercises come amid heightened regional tensions, following Beijing’s anger over recent remarks by Japan’s prime minister suggesting Tokyo’s military could become involved if China were to take action against Taiwan. While China did not reference Japan directly in its statement, the timing underscores growing unease among regional powers over stability in the Taiwan Strait.

(With agency inputs)