"Forces under the Eastern Theatre Command of the PLA concluded live-fire 'Justice Mission 2025' military drills around Taiwan on Tuesday, Chinese state media said. Footage shows long-range rocket launchers firing missiles at simulated maritime targets, while several warships were deployed at sea to test operational capabilities. According to PLA Air Force officer Xiao Linjun, the exercises focused on “sea-air coordination and integrated blockade and control”. “We have full combat-readiness and are capable of fighting at all times to resolutely safeguard the interests and territorial integrity of our motherland,” he said. An officer from the PLA Ground Force 73rd Group Army, Wang Dongliang, said personnel remained on heightened alert. “As a new-type and new-domain combat force of the ground force, all our officers and soldiers remain on high alert with high morale as well as the unbreakable will, strong confidence, firm determination and formidable ability to safeguard national sovereignty,” he said. The multi-service drills began on Monday, with Beijing describing them as a response to the United States approving an $11.1 billion arms package for Taiwan, the largest in the island’s history, which includes advanced rocket systems and long-range drones. At a press briefing on Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian called the exercises a 'severe punishment' for what he described as Taiwan’s 'separatist forces', saying the drills were aimed at safeguarding national security. Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence condemned the manoeuvres as an 'irrational provocation'. Defence Minister Wellington Koo warned that the drills were 'highly provocative' and posed risks to regional stability. Concern was also expressed by Japan, Australia and institutions of the European Union, alongside several European governments, all citing potential threats to international peace and security. By contrast, US President Donald Trump played down the threat, noting that Beijing has conducted military exercises around Taiwan for decades."