China is sending out strong messages to "separatist forces". China held military drills around Taiwan, which simulated the seizure and blockade of the island's key areas today, the BBC reported. The Chinese military said that the army, navy, air force, along with the rocket force, held the drills. Those included live-fire exercises.
Drill after US defence drill
The drills have been code-named "Justice Mission 2025." Notably, the drills are being held days after the US announced a $11 billion sale of weapons packages to Taiwan. The cache of weapons sold to Taiwan by the US is one of the largest deals ever done between the two nations. In protest, China sanctioned US defence firms and launched a protest against the sale.
China has also been irked by Taiwan's attempts to intensify its defence structure this year. Beijing claims Taiwan as its territory, while NATO nations see it as a self-ruled nation. The Chinese drills have come under fire from Taiwan's presidential office. They have termed the exercises as a challenge to international rules, the BBC reported.
Also Read | Pakistan security forces thwart alleged BLA suicide bomb plot in Karachi
What has the Taiwanese government said?
The Taiwanese defence ministry has claimed it detected 89 Chinese military aircraft and 28 warships and coastguard vessels near the island. They have also notified that Taiwan deployed its own missile systems and forces for the monitoring of the situation. They added that the Taiwanese government is on "high alert" to defend the island and protect their people.
China's rebuttal
The Chinese military's Eastern Theater Command, in charge of the Taiwan Strait, has described the military exercise as a 'justice shield'. They claimed this in a post on Weibo. The post said, "All those plotting independence will be annihilated upon encountering the shield!"
Also Read | Norway launches world's first special train with 'glass windows'
The Chinese military has informed that it is scheduled to hold a major exercise from 08:00 to 18:00 local time on Tuesday, and only initial drills have commenced. The Chinese foreign ministry has described the drills as a "severe punishment for separatist forces seeking independence through force" and warned "external forces" against "using Taiwan to contain China", BBC reported.
