China launches military exercise warning against Taiwan independence
China has moved its military to surround Taiwan warning against its independence. But Beijing's action has been condemned by Taiwan calling for regional peace and de-escalation.
China has moved its army, naval, air force and rocket force units to surround Taiwan for military drills, warning outside forces against supporting Taiwanese independence.
The operation, dubbed "Just Mission 2025", aims to test Beijing's combat readiness, and will involve live-fire exercises on Tuesday.
China's Eastern Theatre Command said five zones surrounding Taiwan would be under sea and air space restrictions for 10 hours from 8.30am local time (11.30am AEDT).
The statement included a graphic detailing the five zones surrounding the island.
"This serves as a serious warning to 'Taiwan Independence' separatist forces and external interference forces," Shi Yi
a spokesperson for the Eastern Theatre Command said.
"The exercise focuses on training for maritime and aerial combat readiness patrols, gaining integrated control, sealing off key ports and areas and conducting multi-dimensional deterrence."
China announced new military drills to warn against Taiwan's independence on Monday sharing this photo of Taiwan surrounded. (Credit: Chinese People's Liberation Army)
Taiwan's government condemned the drills with a presidential office spokesperson urging China to not undermine regional peace, and called on Beijing to immediately stop what they described as irresponsible provocations.
The island's defence ministry said two Chinese military aircraft and 11 ships had been operating around the island over the last 24 hours, and that Taiwan's military was on high alert and poised to carry out "rapid response exercises".
That particular drill is designed to move troops swiftly in case China suddenly turns one of its frequent drills around the island into an attack.
"All members of our armed forces will remain highly vigilant and fully on guard, taking concrete action to defend the values of democracy and freedom," it said in a statement.
A senior Taiwan security official told Reuters dozens of Chinese military boats and planes were operating near Taiwan on Monday, and some of them were "deliberately closing in" to Taiwan's contiguous zone.
Beijing views Taiwan as a part of China and, according to a US Pentagon report, wants to be in a position where it could take the territory by 2027.
However Taiwan, a self-governed island, rejects China's claimed sovereignty, maintaining that only its people can decide the island's future.