Overview
- Chinese forces executed sea and air maneuvers encircling Taiwan that included live-fire rocket drills, state media reported.
- Taiwan’s defense ministry said 27 rockets were launched from Fujian toward northern and southwestern waters, with some falling in areas it claims as its contiguous zone.
- Authorities tracked 47 PLA and China Coast Guard ships over 48 hours, reporting intrusions into claimed contiguous waters and issuing warnings to depart.
- Beijing announced the exercise mission was completed on Dec. 31 and reiterated opposition to what it called external interference, describing Taiwan as an internal matter.
- Japan formally relayed objections to China on Dec. 29, and the United States and European governments publicly expressed concern that the operations increased tensions in the strait.