The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command carried out coordinated military exercises involving long-range precision strikes in waters surrounding the Taiwan region on December 30, 2025. The drills involved joint operations between ground forces, naval vessels, air units, and rocket artillery divisions, marking one of the most comprehensive displays of integrated combat capabilities this year.
Spokesperson Li Xi confirmed the exercises achieved their training objectives, stating they demonstrated the PLA's capacity to 'safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity.' The maneuvers occurred simultaneously in maritime zones north and south of Taiwan Island, with observers noting their timing coincides with heightened regional security discussions among Asia-Pacific nations.
Military analysts suggest these drills reflect ongoing modernization efforts within the PLA's theater command system, particularly in cross-service coordination and rapid deployment capabilities. The exercises follow recent developments in regional security architectures, including increased diplomatic activity among APEC members regarding maritime safety protocols.
While the Taiwan authorities have not issued an official statement, regional defense monitoring groups report heightened alert levels across the Taiwan Strait. The drills occur as businesses in Hong Kong and overseas investors continue expanding economic ties with Fujian Province's newly established special economic zones along the mainland's southeastern coast.
