China’s military on Monday announced it would deploy air, naval and missile forces for joint exercises around Taiwan, describing the move as a strong warning to separatist elements and what it termed “external interference.”

The announcement followed Beijing’s sharp criticism of recent US arms sales to Taiwan and comments by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who suggested Japan’s military could become involved if China takes action against the self-governing island. However, the Chinese military statement released on Monday did not directly reference Japan.

Relations between China and Taiwan have remained strained since 1949, when the Chinese civil war ended with the Communist Party taking control of the mainland, while Nationalist forces retreated to Taiwan. Since then, Taiwan has operated under its own government, although Beijing continues to claim sovereignty over the island.

Senior Colonel Shi Yi, spokesperson for the People’s Liberation Army’s Eastern Theater Command, said the exercises—named “Justice Mission 2025”—would take place in the Taiwan Strait and in surrounding areas to the island’s north, southwest, southeast and east. He said the drills would emphasize joint sea and air patrols, gaining overall control, blockading key ports and conducting deterrence operations beyond the island chain.

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In a statement posted on the social media platform WeChat, the Eastern Theater Command said the drills were aimed at countering “Taiwan independence” forces and safeguarding China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Last week, Beijing also announced sanctions on 20 US defense companies and 10 executives, following Washington’s approval of major arms sales to Taiwan valued at over $10 billion. If endorsed by the US Congress, the package would mark the largest American weapons deal with Taiwan to date.

Source: AP