China has launched record military exercises around Taiwan: the island is fully combat-ready.

According to ТСН: China has begun its largest military exercises in history, titled Justice Mission 2025, involving a record number of live-fire zones around Taiwan. This has effectively isolated the island from the outside world, leading to the cancellation of many flights and forcing Taipei to raise its military readiness.

Beijing is conducting unprecedented drills around Taiwan, demonstrating the ability to isolate the island in the event of armed conflict. The maneuvers are also aimed at testing Taipei's defensive readiness and the effectiveness of its American weaponry.

The Eastern Theater Command reported that various military units, including ground forces, navy, and air force, are participating in the exercises. The primary goal is to encircle Taiwan, conduct live-fire drills, and simulate strikes on key facilities and ports.

Exercises have led to flight cancellations

The Ministry of National Defense of Taiwan announced that on the morning of December 29, China conducted additional drills in the eastern waters of the island without warning.

According to data from the Ministry of Transportation, the maneuvers will affect over 100,000 passengers on international flights, including around 80 domestic flights that will be canceled.

This is already the sixth major phase of Chinese exercises following Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan. These actions occur against the backdrop of increasing rhetoric from China. Taiwan denies territorial claims from China, emphasizing its right to determine its own future.

"Our armed forces operate on the principle of preparing for the worst-case scenario..."

"A strong signal against external interference"

The exercises started 11 days after the U.S. announced a $11.1 billion arms sale to Taiwan. This provoked a strong response from China, which warned that its military would take "decisive measures" in response.

"They (China) are sending a strong signal regarding external interference"

Analysts note that China's military actions blur the line between exercises and real preparations for a potential attack. Beijing has also demonstrated new technologies for the first time, such as robotic systems.

The Ministry of National Defense of Taiwan condemned China's actions and showcased its military capabilities through social media.

Fast response from Taiwan

Taiwan reported the activity of 89 Chinese military aircraft and 14 ships in its waters. Authorities stated their readiness to conduct "rapid response exercises" in case of a potential attack.

The Taiwanese stock market did not react to the events: the main index closed up 0.9%.

Blocking port cities

Chinese military propaganda materials have highlighted the targets of the exercises and strategically important ports in Taiwan that could be blocked.

The Pentagon also commented on China's actions, noting that the country is undertaking a "total military buildup" aimed at increasing its nuclear capabilities and readiness for a possible conflict with Taiwan by 2027.

China's exercises underscore rising tensions in the region, particularly regarding relations between Taiwan and mainland China. In response to these actions, Taiwan continues to bolster its defense capabilities, including active cooperation with the U.S. in military affairs. Given the circumstances, the importance of monitoring the developments in and around Taiwan remains high.