Beijing/Taipei, 29 December 2025 (dpa/MIA) - Beijing has begun a large-scale military exercise around the island of Taiwan, state news agency Xinhua reported on Monday, citing the Chinese military.

Code-named "Justice Mission 2025," the drills are being conducted in sea zones and airspace around Taiwan. These are the first major Chinese military exercises off Taiwan since April.

The focus is on combat readiness patrols, achieving comprehensive superiority and blockading key ports and areas, according to state media.

Military spokesman Shi Yi, described the exercises as a warning to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces and external interference, Xinhua reported.

Shi said the drills are a legitimate and necessary measure to safeguard Chinese sovereignty and national unity.

In a separate statement, the People's Liberation Army also announced that it would hold live-fire exercises in five designated zones around Taiwan starting on Tuesday, advising uninvolved ships and aircraft to avoid these areas.

The announcement follows renewed tensions with the US after Washington announced a record $11.1 billion arms package for Taiwan.

Taiwan condemns manoeuvres

Chinese forces conduct exercises with warships and military aircraft in the region on an almost daily basis.

Beijing considers the island state, which has been governed democratically for decades, to be part of its territory and seeks to bring Taiwan under its control — if necessary, by military means.

Taiwan strongly condemned the renewed Chinese military activities.

"China's actions not only brutally undermine the existing security and stability of the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region, but also constitute an open challenge to international law and the international order," Taiwan Presidential Office spokeswoman Karen Kuo said.

Kuo added that the Taiwanese armed forces and security authorities have made thorough preparations for the situation and are fully up to date.

Photo: Taiwan Security Monitor