HONG KONG – In a significant display of military might, China’s armed forces announced on Monday their plan to deploy air, naval, and rocket units for joint exercises around Taiwan. This maneuver is being characterized as a “stern warning” aimed at countering separatist movements and external interferences.

The announcement comes on the heels of China’s displeasure over recent U.S. arms sales to Taiwan and a provocative remark by Japan’s Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi. Takaichi suggested that Japan’s military could intervene if China were to move against Taiwan, a self-governing island that Beijing insists must be unified with the mainland. Notably, the Chinese military’s statement on Monday omitted any direct reference to Japan.

Since the end of the Chinese civil war in 1949, China and Taiwan have operated under distinct governments. The Communist Party’s victory led to their control over mainland China, while the defeated Nationalist Party retreated to Taiwan, establishing their own governance. Despite this, Beijing continues to assert Taiwan as part of its territory.

Senior Colonel Shi Yi, spokesperson for the People’s Liberation Army’s Eastern Theater Command, outlined the scope of the drills, dubbed “Justice Mission 2025.” These exercises will take place in the Taiwan Straits and extend to regions north, southwest, southeast, and east of the island. The focus will be on sea-air combat readiness, achieving strategic superiority, implementing blockades on key ports, and showcasing deterrent capabilities beyond the island chain.

The command emphasized in a statement on WeChat that this military activity serves as a direct response to Taiwanese independence movements. It is described as both a legitimate and necessary measure to uphold China’s sovereignty and national unity.

Beijing last week also imposed sanctions against 20 U.S. defense-related companies and 10 executives, a week after Washington announced large-scale arms sales to Taiwan valued at more than $10 billion. If approved by the U.S. Congress, it would be the largest-ever American weapons package to the self-ruled territory.