China has announced a new round of large military drills around Taiwan, involving its army, navy, air force and rocket units. The exercises, named “Just Mission 2025,” are being carried out in several areas around the island, including the Taiwan Strait and waters to the north, south, east and southwest. Chinese officials said the drills are meant to test combat readiness and serve as a warning against any move toward Taiwan’s independence.

Taiwan’s government quickly criticised the action, calling it an act of military pressure that threatens peace in the region. Officials in Taipei said the drills disturb stability in the Taiwan Strait and violate international norms. They warned that such actions increase tension and risk misunderstandings that could lead to conflict.

The drills come shortly after a major arms agreement between the United States and Taiwan, which included advanced weapons and military systems. They also follow comments from Japan’s leadership suggesting that Japan could respond if China tried to take Taiwan by force. These developments appear to have increased Beijing’s concerns about outside involvement in the Taiwan issue.

China insists that Taiwan is part of its territory and says the exercises are necessary to protect national unity and sovereignty. However, Taiwan maintains that it is a self-governing democracy and has rejected Beijing’s claims. The situation continues to raise concerns among regional and global leaders about rising military tension in East Asia.