China Launches Joint Military Drills Around Taiwan

China's military launched large-scale joint exercises around Taiwan on Monday, deploying army, navy, air force, and rocket force units in a show of force dubbed Justice Mission 2025. The drills, which began in the evening U.S. time, aim to test combat readiness and serve as a warning against Taiwanese independence efforts and external interference, according to a statement from the People's Liberation Army's Eastern Theater Command.

The exercises involve maritime and aerial patrols, integrated control operations, and blockades of key ports and areas. Live-fire drills are scheduled for Tuesday in five designated zones surrounding the island, with sea and air restrictions in place for 10 hours starting at 8:30 a.m. local time. The command advised unrelated vessels and aircraft to avoid the areas during this period. Forces from multiple directions will approach Taiwan, conducting joint assaults to evaluate multidimensional deterrence capabilities.

Senior Colonel Shi Yi, a spokesperson for the Eastern Theater Command, described the maneuvers as "a stern warning against Taiwan independence separatist forces, and a legitimate and necessary action to safeguard China's sovereignty and...