The longstanding dispute between China and Taiwan has intensified following Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s remarks that Japan would intervene if necessary to protect Taiwan. In response, China announced large-scale military exercises encircling Taiwan, with the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) preparing to deploy its Air Force, Navy, and Rocket Force in the region.
Senior PLA Eastern Theater Command Colonel Shi Yi confirmed the “Justice Mission 2025” exercises, aimed at testing naval and aerial combat readiness, implementing blockades outside Taiwan’s island group, and sending a strong warning to separatist forces. China emphasized that it would take all necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty. The announcement comes after the United States pledged arms sales to Taiwan, prompting Beijing to impose sanctions on 20 U.S. defense firms and 10 executives.
The China-Taiwan dispute traces back to the Chinese Civil War (1927–1949) between the Communist Party and the Kuomintang. After the Communists’ victory, the Kuomintang fled to Taiwan and established a separate government. China adheres to the “One China” policy, claiming Taiwan as part of its territory, while Taiwan maintains its sovereignty with a constitution, currency, military, and democratic governance. Taiwan was a UN founding member but lost recognition in 1971, and currently only 12 countries, including Vatican City, Paraguay, and Haiti, officially recognize it as an independent nation.