China Simulates Taiwan Blockade Amid Rising Tensions  

Tensions are rising in the Taiwan Strait as China launches major military drills, this time simulating a full-scale blockade and seizure of key areas around the island. The operation, codenamed Justice Mission 2025, involves the army, navy, air force, and even the rocket force, with live-fire exercises already underway. The timing is no coincidence. These drills come just days after Washington approved one of its largest-ever weapons packages for Taiwan, an eleven-billion-dollar deal that sparked outrage in Beijing and led to sanctions on U.S. defense firms. China has long claimed Taiwan as its own territory, and Taiwan’s recent push to strengthen its defenses has only added fuel to the fire. In fact, Taiwan’s defense ministry says it detected nearly 90 Chinese military aircraft and 28 warships near its shores on Monday. The island has deployed its own missile systems and forces, saying they’re on ‘high alert’ to protect its people. For the moment, Taiwan’s presidential office is calling the drills a direct challenge to international norms. And on Chinese social media, the Eastern Theater Command is framing the exercise as a ‘shield of justice.’ Meanwhile, a statement from Belize’s foreign ministry, quote, condemns the continued military intimidation by the People’s Republic of China against the Republic of China (Taiwan). Such actions undermine peace, stability, and dialogue across the Taiwan Strait. Belize reaffirms its strong support for Taiwan and for the peaceful resolution of differences in accordance with international law, end quote.