DID Press: China’s military conducted a 10-hour live-fire exercise on the second day of its largest-ever drills around Taiwan, aiming to quickly sever Taiwan’s connections with foreign supporters in the event of a conflict.
Reuters reported that the exercise took place across maritime and air zones at five locations surrounding Taiwan. The Eastern Theater Command described it as a demonstration of China’s “unassailable determination” to combat separatism and advance national unity.
Named “Justice Mission 2025,” the drills involved destroyers, fighter jets, and bombers to test naval-air coordination and integrated blockade capabilities.
U.S. President Donald Trump downplayed the exercises at a press conference, saying he was not concerned, though he referenced the recent U.S. arms package for Taiwan.
Taiwan’s Presidential Office called the drills a challenge to international norms, with security officials warning that China is using maximum pressure tactics to expand its control over regional island chains.
The exercises began a week after the announcement of an $11 billion U.S. arms package for Taiwan, which prompted a strong response from China’s Defense Ministry. Taiwan continues to reject Chinese sovereignty claims, emphasizing that its people alone determine the island’s future.