China Conducts Military Drills Around Taiwan with Multiple Rocket Launches

China Conducts Large-Scale Military Drills Around Taiwan

China has launched a second day of large-scale military drills around Taiwan, which include live-fire exercises and a simulated blockade of the island’s major ports. The drills, part of the “Justice Mission 2025” series, began on Monday and are expected to continue for several days.

According to Chinese state media, the drills will take place in five maritime and airspace zones around Taiwan, with navy destroyers, bombers, and other forces participating. The exercises will include live-fire drills between 8am and 6pm local time, as well as air and sea patrols, simulated precision strikes, and anti-submarine manoeuvres.

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense reported that some of the live-fire drills took place in what Taiwan considers its territorial waters, within 12 nautical miles from the coastline. The drill zones are designated areas in the waters surrounding Taiwan that China’s military has cordoned off for live-fire exercises.

The drills have resulted in the cancellation of over 80 domestic flights and may cause delays to more than 300 international flights due to rerouted air traffic. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Lin Jian, stated that the exercises are aimed at “separatist” forces seeking Taiwan independence through military buildup.

China has dispatched its army, navy, air force, and rocket force to rehearse a blockade of Taiwan’s major ports in the north and south, as well as taking control of strategically important waterways. The drills are part of China’s efforts to ensure that Taiwan cannot receive supplies from allies like Japan and the US during a conflict.

The exercises have sparked concerns about the potential for escalation between China and Taiwan. Zein Basravi, reporting for Al Jazeera in Taiwan, noted that both sides appear to be “edging toward conflict” rather than dialogue. The drills are part of a series of Beijing’s responses to the US arms sales to Taiwan, which began on Monday.

Source: Al Jazeera