What is behind China’s latest military drills around Taiwan?, Pg8

Key Highlights:

• China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) conducted military drills around Taiwan from December 29-30, 2025, the second such exercise that year.
• The drill, named 'Justice Mission-2025', focused on sea and combat readiness, blockade capabilities, and external deterrence using land, sea, and air forces.
• 130 sorties were conducted, with 90 crossing the Taiwan Strait centerline on the first day, followed by long-range rocket firings on the second day.
• Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council condemned the drills as "provocative and coercive," while the EU Commission expressed concerns over rising cross-strait tensions.

Detailed Insights:

• The 'Justice Mission-2025' exercise was prompted by concerns over safeguarding sovereignty, deterring Taiwanese separatist forces, and foreign interference.
• Previous drills occurred in 2022 after Nancy Pelosi's visit, in April 2023 when Tsai Ing-wen visited the U.S., and in August 2023 during William Lai Ching-te's trip to the Americas.
• Taiwan is developing a multi-layered air defense system called the 'T-Dome' to enhance its military capabilities, but progress is hindered by political divisions.
• The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) advocates for Taiwan's independence, while the Kuomintang (KMT) and Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) often obstruct defense legislation.
• A proposed $11 billion arms sale from the U.S. to Taiwan, including howitzers and rocket launchers, has further heightened tensions in the region.
• Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated that a Chinese attack on Taiwan would constitute a survival-threatening situation for Japan, drawing strong criticism from China.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Sortie: A combat mission of an aircraft.
• Cross-Strait Relations: Interactions and relations between the governments of China and Taiwan.
• Deterrence: Discouraging an action or event through instilling doubt or fear of the consequences.