Overview
- China’s Eastern Theatre Command deployed army, navy, air force and rocket force units around Taiwan and announced a ten-hour live-fire window on December 30 across five restricted sea and air zones.
- The drills emphasize sea‑air combat patrols, joint seizure of superiority and simulated blockades targeting key ports including Keelung in the north and Kaohsiung in the south.
- Officials described the exercises as a serious warning to what Beijing calls Taiwan independence forces and to external interference, releasing propaganda graphics to underscore the message.
- Taiwan condemned the move, activated a response center, put forces on high alert and conducted rapid‑response exercises while monitoring increased Chinese aircraft and ship activity.
- The operation follows Washington’s $11.1 billion arms package for Taiwan and rising friction with Japan after comments about potential involvement if China attacked the island.