Colonel Shi Yi’s statements included that the maneuvers will take place in the Taiwan Strait, in areas in the north, southwest, southeast and east of the island, with an emphasis on sea-to-air combat operations in addition to jointly gaining superiority, blockade of ports and key points and comprehensive deterrence outside the archipelago. The announcement covers a series of exercises by the Chinese army called “Mission Justice 2025” that will be conducted this week in areas near Taiwan, according to Beijing’s Eastern Operations Command.
The military spokesman said these actions were intended to send a clear warning about the forces promoting Taiwan’s independence. According to media reports, the Ministry of Defense stated that the purpose of the exercise was to test the joint combat capability of the troops under the command of the Eastern Operational Command. This operation, according to the official version, is also introduced as a legitimate and necessary expression of protecting sovereignty and preserving national unity.
In Colonel Shi’s description, the operations include specific actions of both sea and air confrontation, as well as attempts to exert control over strategic points by simulating blockades in ports and other relevant areas of the island’s infrastructure. Furthermore, he confirmed that the exercises are intended to serve as a deterrent beyond Taiwan’s immediate borders, implying a regional dimension to their strategic approach. According to the Eastern Operations Command, the warning also extends to “external interference forces,” adding a message aimed at both internal actors in Taiwan and international powers with interests in the region.
As the source published, the answer from Taipei was not long in coming. Presidential spokesperson Karen Kuo said on social media that the Chinese decision represents a blatant undermining of security and stability in both the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region, as well as a direct challenge to international law and the current international order. In the statement, the official stressed that the government of Taiwan strongly condemns both the attitude of the Chinese authorities and the resort to military intimidation to put pressure on neighboring countries.
The institutional statement highlighted the comprehensive preparation of the Taiwan Armed Forces to ensure national security and the tranquility of the people. In addition, there was an admonition addressed to Beijing in which Taipei called for rational and measured action and called for the immediate cessation of actions considered provocative and irresponsible, as well as the avoidance of false interpretations that, according to the spokesman, could make China a destabilizing factor in regional peace.
According to the President’s Office’s arguments, the Taiwanese government recognizes the importance of maintaining regional cooperation as part of efforts to secure an international order based on recognized rules and norms. The message also included the intention to continue working with other actors in the region with a focus on maintaining peace and security in the Indo-Pacific, in direct response to recently announced Chinese military actions.
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