• China commences large-scale military drills around Taiwan, labeled "Justice Mission 2025".
• Exercises follow a record US arms sale to Taiwan worth $11.1 billion.
• Taiwan's military remains on high alert and conducts rapid response exercises.
• The drills involve live-fire operations and are seen as a stern warning against Taiwanese independence.
• International reactions include condemnation from Taiwan and heightened concerns over regional security.

China has launched extensive military exercises around Taiwan, initiating the "Justice Mission 2025" operations that began on December 29, which involve deployments from the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command encompassing its army, navy, air force, and rocket units. These drills are seen as a direct response to rising tensions in the region, particularly following a record-breaking U.S. arms sale to Taiwan, amounting to $11.1 billion, the largest in history, according to Channel News Asia and AA.

As part of the drills, China has deployed various military assets, including fighter jets and long-range rockets, simulating assaults to test its operational capabilities and coordination among different military branches. The military aims to practice rapid encirclement strategies to sever Taiwan’s connection to external support during potential conflicts, signaling China’s intent to assert control over the region, according to India Times and Reuters.

The drills, which involve live-fire exercises set to take place in designated zones surrounding Taiwan, have been characterized by China's military as essential for deterrence against "Taiwan independence" and external interference. Senior Colonel Shi Yi, a spokesperson for the PLA, stated that these maneuvers represent a "stern warning" and a necessary action for maintaining national sovereignty. This military display follows comments from Japan regarding potential military responses to threats against Taiwan, exacerbating tensions between the nations involved, as detailed by The Hill and Channel News Asia.

In reaction to these exercises, Taiwan has heightened its military readiness, viewing the drills as provocative actions that endanger regional stability. The Taiwanese military is conducting "Rapid Response Exercises" to ensure preparedness for any potential aggressions from the PLA, rejecting China's sovereignty claims over the island. The Taiwanese government strongly condemned the drills as unilateral provocation undermining peace, echoing statements from various defense officials, as reported by AA and Reuters.

Despite the military escalation, Taiwan's stock market remained stable, with reports of little impact on its financial environment. Public sentiment in Taiwan continues to emphasize determination to defend their democracy and sovereignty, asserting that any Chinese aggression will not alter their resolve, reflecting significant internal resilience amid the external pressures posed by China's military maneuvers, according to India Times and The Hill.