China conducts large-scale military exercises around Taiwan — Reuters
Photo: Chinese aircraft (GettyImages)
Military activity around Taiwan has intensified sharply. China's large-scale maneuvers have affected the sea and air, causing concern in the region and close attention from international observers, Reuters reports.
China conducted prolonged live-fire exercises around Taiwan, involving its air force, navy, and amphibious forces.
The exercises were the second day of Beijing's most extensive maneuvers in recent times, aimed at rehearsing scenarios for blockading the island from both the north and south.
Live-fire drills took place in several areas at sea and in the airspace near Taiwan and the Chinese coast.
Rehearsing blockade and strike scenarios
The Chinese military stated that as part of the exercises, Navy and Air Force units were practicing strikes on both sea and air targets, as well as conducting anti-submarine operations.
According to sources, attacks on ground targets, including US-made weapons systems in Taiwan's arsenal, were simulated separately.
The exercises were named Justice Mission 2025 and began shortly after the US announced a record military aid package to Taipei.
Analysts estimate that the current maneuvers are the largest in scope and proximity to the island in recent years.
Taiwan's response and control of the situation
The Taiwanese authorities are closely monitoring China's actions, in particular, possible missile launches over the island.
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te said that China's exercises do not correspond to the behavior expected of a responsible major power, while emphasizing the readiness of the defense forces to protect the island without seeking escalation.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense confirmed that live-fire drills were conducted near the northern coast, noting that some of the areas declared by Beijing overlap with the island's territorial waters.
Regional security factor
Despite the activity of Chinese forces, no serious disruptions to international flights were reported, although many routes were adjusted.
In the coastal zone, coast guard ships continued to maneuver, engaging in tactical confrontations with Taiwanese vessels.
Taiwanese authorities emphasize that they are in control of the situation and are prepared for further developments.
In China, the decline in industrial profits accelerated, demonstrating the vulnerability of the country's economic recovery: weak domestic demand began to have a stronger impact on revenues, offsetting the benefits of exports. According to China's National Bureau of Statistics, in November 2025, the annual decline in corporate profits was 13.1%, following a 5.5% decline in October, which was the sharpest drop for the entire year.
China has imposed sanctions on 10 citizens and 20 US defense companies for supplying weapons to Taiwan. The restrictions apply, in particular, to Boeing's St. Louis subsidiary, Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, and L3Harris Maritime Services. The sanctions include the freezing of all assets in China and a ban on Chinese organizations and citizens doing business with them.
