Beijing, December 29, 2025 – China announced today that it will conduct extensive military exercises, including live-fire drills, in the vicinity of Taiwan, further escalating tensions in the region. Taiwan has strongly condemned the planned exercises, asserting they challenge international laws and order.
The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command stated that the drills, codenamed “Joint Sword-2025,” will commence tomorrow, December 30th, and involve forces from the army, navy, air force, and rocket force. The exercises are slated to take place in five designated zones in the sea and air surrounding the self-governing island, which China claims as its own territory.
According to a separate statement, these zones will be subject to live-fire activities from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (00:00 to 10:00 GMT). The statement advised all unrelated vessels and aircraft to avoid entering the specified waters and airspace for safety reasons.
Taiwan’s Presidential Office swiftly responded, issuing a strong condemnation of China’s actions and urging Beijing to exercise rationality and restraint. The office accused China of disregarding international norms and using military intimidation to threaten neighboring countries. It emphasized that Taiwanese military and security units are fully prepared to safeguard the island’s security.
Reports indicate that the Taiwanese military has deployed forces in response to the Chinese drills. China frequently conducts military exercises in the area, fueled by ongoing tensions with Taiwan, as well as with the United States and other Western powers regarding the island’s status.
The roots of the conflict between China and Taiwan trace back to 1949, when Chinese Nationalists fled to the island following their defeat by Communist forces. Beijing maintains that Taiwan is a renegade province that must eventually be reunified with the mainland, by force if necessary.
