China Defends Taiwan Drills, Warns of 'Red Line' Countermeasures

Overview

• China’s Ministry of National Defense said the PLA Eastern Theater Command’s Justice Mission 2025 tested integrated joint combat capabilities to deter independence moves and outside intervention.
• Spokesman Zhang Xiaogang rejected Western criticism as interference and described the actions as legitimate, necessary, and beyond reproach.
• He warned that any act crossing China’s red lines on the Taiwan question would face resolute countermeasures and said efforts to block reunification will not succeed.
• The United States, Japan, Australia, the Philippines, and the European Union voiced concern and urged restraint, while Taiwan’s Lai Ching-te said the drills raised regional risk.
• Beijing urged adherence to the one-China principle, pressed foreign governments to halt support for pro-independence forces, and said the PLA will sustain high combat readiness.