New Delhi, 1 January. China recently launched a military exercise named ‘Justice Mission 2025’ around Taiwan. On New Year’s Day, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a stern speech reaffirming China’s intent to achieve reunification with Taiwan at any cost. In response, Taiwan remains on high alert.
Taiwan’s Coast Guard stated that its Emergency Maritime Response Centre has been operational continuously, closely monitoring the movements of the Chinese navy. Taiwan’s Defence Minister said that the military will maintain emergency measures as Chinese aircraft and vessels continue to operate nearby.
Following Xi Jinping’s remarks, Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te addressed the nation on Thursday, declaring the island’s firm resolve to protect its sovereignty and strengthen its security. In a live broadcast from the Presidential Office in Taipei, President Lai emphasised that the international community is watching to see if the people of Taiwan are committed to their defence.
China conducted extensive military drills around Taiwan under the banner ‘Justice Mission 2025’. President Xi Jinping asserted that Taiwan will inevitably reunify with China. Recently, Taiwan and the United States signed a record $11.1 billion arms deal, which has heightened China’s alarm, as evidenced by its recent military actions.
During ‘Justice Mission 2025’, the Chinese military stated for the first time that the drills aimed to prevent foreign interference. Xi Jinping said, “The people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait share blood ties and kinship. The reunification of our motherland, which is the current trend, cannot be stopped.”
Regarding Hong Kong and Macau, Xi stressed that the “one country, two systems” policy must be fully implemented. He called for better integration of these special administrative regions into the country’s overall development to ensure long-term prosperity and stability.
The People’s Liberation Army of China initiated the ‘Justice Mission 2025’ exercises by deploying ground forces, air units, and artillery around Taiwan. Live-fire drills were also conducted as part of the operation.
This large-scale military exercise is China’s most significant since 2022. Alongside live-fire drills and blockades, the deployment of forces around Taiwan signals China’s increasing impatience and resolve.
–
Source: Daily Kiran
Leave a Comment