Taiwan High Alert as Chinese Ships Pull Back After Massive Drills
Taiwan stayed on high alert as Chinese ships pull back after massive drills, keeping emergency response centers active while monitoring remaining military movements. Authorities in Taipei said coast guard and defence response facilities remain on stand-by, even as Beijing’s vessels withdraw from areas near the island.
Maritime Situation Calms, Alert Continues
Beijing’s “Justice Mission 2025” exercises involved extensive warships, coast guard vessels and military aircraft near Taiwan, prompting Taiwan to sustain heightened surveillance. Taiwan’s Ocean Affairs Council said Chinese ships have been moving away but China has not formally announced an end to operations.
Taipei’s coast guard reported all 11 Chinese coast guard ships have left waters close to Taiwan and are continuing to withdraw. Taiwan security officials said military and coast guard response centers remain on active duty as a precaution.
Scope of the Drills
Taiwan’s defence ministry reported 77 Chinese aircraft and 25 naval and coast guard vessels operating around the island in the past 24 hours, with 35 aircraft crossing the Taiwan Strait median line marking the de facto boundary. Scope of the Drills
Taiwan’s defence ministry reported 77 Chinese aircraft and 25 naval and coast guard vessels operating around the island in the past 24 hours, with 35 aircraft crossing the Taiwan Strait median line marking the de facto boundary.
The drills are among the largest Beijing has staged near Taiwan, forcing cancellation of domestic flights and prompting Taiwan to dispatch jets and warships for monitoring.
Taipei Condemns Provocations
Taipei condemned the drills as a threat to regional security and stability. The exercises followed a recent U.S. arms package for Taiwan and drew concern from Western allies, including Britain and the European Commission.
China’s Taiwan Affairs Office described the drills as necessary to safeguard sovereignty and warned against separatist forces and external interference
