PLA conducts training exercises around Taiwan, issues warning to 'Taiwan separatists'

The People's Liberation Army began to carry out an inter-service exercise surrounding Taiwan Island on Monday, according to a military spokesman.

Senior Colonel Shi Yi, spokesman for the PLA Eastern Theater Command, said on Monday morning that his command has launched the "Justice Mission 2025" exercise, which involves its ground, air, naval, missile, and other forces.

"The operation includes air and sea patrols, suppression of hostile forces, blockade of critical ports and zones, and battlefield periphery deterrence, and is intended to test our forces' joint combat capabilities," he said.

Aircraft and warships will conduct exercises near the Taiwan Island from multiple directions while units from different PLA branches will simulate joint strikes, the spokesman noted, adding that these moves will examine the troops' capabilities in rapid, all-dimensional deployment and omnidirectional blockade and control.

Shi stressed that this is a stern warning against "Taiwan independence" separatists and external forces attempting to interfere in the Taiwan question and is a legitimate and necessary action to safeguard China's sovereignty and national unity.

His command also published a themed poster titled "Shield of Justice, Smashing Illusion".

The latest military action comes in the wake of the United States' announcement earlier this month about its large-scale arms sale package planned for Taiwan that totals $11.1 billion.

The plan was unveiled on Wednesday, covering eight items, including HIMARS rocket systems, howitzers, Javelin anti-tank missiles, Altius loitering munition drones, and parts for other equipment.

The Chinese government said the move has seriously violated the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiques, interfered in China's internal affairs, and undermined China's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

It has announced countermeasures against some US companies and executives involved in the arms sale plan.