According to a statement from the Chinese command, the maneuvers are taking place under the code name “Just Mission 2025” and cover five zones around the island in which restrictions on the movement of ships and aircraft have been introduced for the duration of the exercises.
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As reported, the activities include, among others: destroyers, frigates, fighters, bombers and drones, and the exercise targets are located north and southwest of Taiwan.
The spokesman for the Eastern Military Theater of the People's Liberation Army, Col. Shi Yi, said that the purpose of the maneuvers was to “test the readiness of naval and air forces to control key ports and other areas.” He also added that the actions are intended to be a “serious warning to Taiwanese separatist forces and external interference.”
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Taipei responded firmly to Beijing's actions. The Taiwanese authorities described the maneuvers as a “threat to peace in the region” and emphasized their readiness to defend democracy. The Taiwanese government's statement called on Beijing “not to make a mistake in its assessment of the situation” and refrain from taking actions that would escalate tensions.. The Taiwanese army, in response to the Chinese exercises, raised the alert level, deploying additional forces and creating a special response center to respond to possible threats.
China's official Xinhua agency published a map showing the areas affected by the maneuvers, which raised additional concerns among the international community.
Taiwan, a democratically ruled island, is considered by Beijing to be a rebellious province that China intends to incorporate into its territory, not excluding the use of force..
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The maneuvers, which were originally scheduled to start on Tuesday, were accelerated, further straining relations between the two sides. Taiwan, supported by the United States and other democratic countries, emphasizes that it will not succumb to Beijing's pressure and will remain faithful to the principles of freedom and self-determination.
