The Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) carried out precision long-range live-fire exercises in waters north of the Taiwan region on Tuesday morning, December 30, 2025. Senior Captain Li Xi, spokesperson for the command, confirmed the drills achieved all training objectives through coordinated land-to-sea strike simulations.
The exercises come as regional observers note increased military preparedness across Asia. While the PLA maintains such drills are routine and defense-oriented, analysts suggest they demonstrate evolving capabilities in complex operational environments. Cross-strait relations remain a focal point for regional security discussions, particularly among business communities monitoring potential impacts on shipping lanes and trade routes.
Military experts highlight the technical significance of the live-fire maneuvers, which involved multiple branches of the PLA ground forces. 'These exercises test real-time intelligence sharing and joint command structures,' explained Singapore-based defense researcher Dr. Aminah Tan. 'For investors, it underscores the importance of monitoring infrastructure resilience in adjacent economic zones.'
