August M
Taiwan has moved its forces to a heightened state of readiness as regional tensions sharpen across East Asia. Diplomatic unease has spread beyond the Taiwan Strait, drawing in the United States and Japan amid growing military activity.
The developments follow recent decisions in Washington and statements in Tokyo that have further strained Beijing’s ties with its neighbours.
Regional fallout first
According to the BBC, the United States has approved one of its largest-ever weapons sales to Taiwan, valued at $11bn (£8.2bn). Beijing condemned the move and responded by sanctioning several US defence companies.
Japan has also become embroiled in the dispute. Relations between Beijing and Tokyo have intensified sharply after Japanese leader Sanae Takaichi suggested that Japan’s self-defence forces could respond if China attacked Taiwan.
China has lodged formal protests and warned its citizens against travelling to Japan.
Earlier this month, Japan accused Chinese fighter jets of locking radar onto its aircraft during a training mission, while Beijing said Japanese forces were “harassing” its military.
Taiwan on alert
Taiwan’s defence ministry said it detected Chinese aircraft and naval vessels operating around the island on Monday morning. In response, it deployed its own ships, aircraft and missile systems and placed its forces on “high alert”.
The ministry said the measures were intended to defend the island and “protect our people”. Taiwan’s presidential office criticised the planned Chinese exercises, calling them a challenge to international norms.
President Lai Ching-te has rejected Beijing’s claim that he is pursuing independence, maintaining that Taiwan is already a sovereign state.
In a television interview on Sunday, he said Taiwan must “keep raising the difficulty so [China] can never meet the standard” for an invasion, while insisting his government would not provoke conflict.
Military drills unfold
China has confirmed that its army, navy, air force and rocket force are taking part in drills conducted in multiple zones surrounding Taiwan.
The exercises include live-fire components and are codenamed “Justice Mission 2025”.
In a post on Weibo, the Chinese military’s Eastern Theater Command described the operation as a “shield of justice”, adding: “All those plotting independence will be annihilated upon encountering the shield!”
The military said a major phase of the drills would take place from 08:00 to 18:00 local time on Tuesday.
Long-running standoff
China has long called for “peaceful reunification” with Taiwan but maintains a law allowing the use of “non-peaceful means” to prevent what it calls secession. Polls consistently show most people in Taiwan favour maintaining the status quo.
Since 2022, Beijing has expanded its military exercises around the island, often in response to events it views as threats. Taiwan, meanwhile, continues to stage its own large-scale drills and has pledged to increase defence spending.
Sources: BBC
