Military on high alert: Taiwan deploys forces after China announces drills; who is Beijing warning against?

China on Monday started its major military exercises around Taiwan after tensions between Beijing and Japan escalated over the issue of Taiwans sovereignty.

Spokesperson of the force, senior Colonel Shi Yi said that the PLA Eastern Theater Command is dispatching its Army, Navy, Air Force and Rocket Force troops in the region from December 29.

Starting from December 29, the PLA Eastern Theater Command is dispatching its Army, Navy, Air Force and Rocket Force troops to conduct joint military drills code-named Justice Mission 2025, Shi Yi said.

The activities will be focused on sea air combat readiness patrol, joint seizure of comprehensive superiority, blockade on key ports and areas, as well as all-dimensional deterrence outside the island chain, he said.

A separate statement with a map showed five large zones surrounding the island where live firing activities will be organised from 8.00am to 6.00pm (0000 to 1000 GMT) on Tuesday.

For the sake of safety, any irrelevant vessel or aircraft is advised not to enter the afore-mentioned waters and airspace, the statement said.

The drills are a stern warning against Taiwan Independence separatist forces, and... a legitimate and necessary action to safeguard Chinas sovereignty and national unity, Shi said.

Plans involve vessels approaching the Taiwan Island in close proximity from different directions, he said.

The joint assaults are intended to test their joint operations capabilities, he added.

Taiwans ministry of defence detected two sorties of Chinese aircraft and nine naval vessel operating around the country as of 6am on Monday.

2 sorties of PLA aircraft, 9 PLAN vessels and 2 official ships operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. The ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and responded, the MND said in a post on X.

This comes as China claims that Taiwan is a part of sovereign territory and has not ruled out seizing it through military action.

The latest large-scale show of force comes after weeks of tensions between China and Japan, started by comments suggesting Tokyos potential support for Taiwan in the event of a future armed conflict.

Japan Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said last month that the use of force against Taiwan could warrant a military response from Tokyo.

In response, China demanded that she retract her statement, summoned Tokyos ambassador, and warned its citizens against travelling to Japan.

Beijing also said this month it would take resolute and forceful measures to safeguard its territory after Taiwan said the United States had given approval to sell the island $11 billion in arms.

It also follows the latest round of arms sales to Taipei from the United States, sparking an angry response from Beijing which slapped sanctions on 20 US defence firms last week.

Chinas military last held large-scale drills involving live firing around Taiwan in April -- surprise manoeuvres condemned by Taipei.

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