China Stages Record Military Exercises Around Taiwan Amid US Arms Deal

China on Tuesday deployed warships, fighter jets and artillery units in its largest-ever military exercises around Taiwan, simulating a full blockade of the self-governed island amid rising regional tensions.

The drills, codenamed “Justice Mission 2025,” involved China’s army, navy, air force and rocket force, and featured live-fire exercises, simulated strikes on land and sea targets, and coordinated operations aimed at sealing off Taiwan’s ports and surrounding airspace.

China’s Eastern Theater Command, which oversees operations in the Taiwan Strait, said the exercises were intended to deter what it described as “separatist forces” in Taiwan and “external interference.” Beijing’s foreign ministry characterised the drills as a “severe punishment” for pro-independence elements and warned outside powers against “using Taiwan to contain China.”

State media released footage of Chinese warships, combat aircraft and artillery units mobilising across multiple zones encircling Taiwan. China’s Maritime Safety Administration designated a record seven live-fire zones, covering a wider area and operating closer to Taiwan than in previous drills.

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The exercises come days after the United States approved an $11.1bn arms package for Taiwan, prompting strong protests from Beijing and sanctions against US defence companies. Analysts say the timing signals China’s intent to send a firm warning to both Taipei and Washington.

Taiwan’s presidential office condemned the drills, describing them as a threat to regional stability and international norms. The island’s defence ministry said it detected dozens of Chinese military aircraft and vessels operating around Taiwan and placed its forces on high alert, deploying aircraft, naval units and missile systems.

“Our armed forces are prepared for the worst and must consider every possible scenario,” a senior Taiwanese defence official said, warning that live-fire drills in the Taiwan Strait pose risks to neighbouring countries as well as international shipping and aviation.

Taiwan’s aviation authority said flights were being rerouted after China declared temporary danger zones, while the coast guard deployed large patrol vessels to monitor Chinese ships near Taiwan’s waters.

China has accused Taiwan President Lai Ching-te of pursuing independence, a claim he denies. Lai maintains that Taiwan is already a sovereign state and says his administration seeks to preserve the status quo while strengthening the island’s defences. Polls consistently show that most Taiwanese favour maintaining the current situation.

Since 2022, China has intensified military pressure on Taiwan, staging repeated large-scale drills in response to what it views as provocative actions, including closer US–Taiwan security ties. The latest manoeuvres mark the sixth major exercise since then and the first under Eastern Theater Command commander Yang Zhibin.

Chinese media said the drills were designed to demonstrate Beijing’s ability to cut Taiwan off from external support, with emphasis on blocking deep-water ports and key supply routes, while showcasing advanced systems such as drones and robotic platforms.

China Stages Record Military Exercises Around Taiwan Amid US Arms Deal

Fire Guts Nursing Home in Indonesia, 16 Elderly Residents Killed

At least 16 people were killed and three others injured after a devastating fire engulfed a nursing home for elderly residents in northern Indonesia, authorities have confirmed.

The blaze broke out at Damai Retirement Home in Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi Province, on Sunday night at about 8:30 p.m. local time, prompting an emergency response from the Manado Fire and Rescue Service.

According to the agency’s chief, Jimmy Rotinsulu, many of the victims were found inside their rooms and are believed to have been elderly residents resting when the fire erupted.

“The victims were mostly inside their rooms. They were likely already asleep when the fire started,” Rotinsulu told news agency AFP.

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The fire was brought under control approximately one hour later, around 9:30 p.m., while police investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.

Authorities said efforts are underway to identify the deceased, urging relatives to contact the hospital where the bodies were taken. Local officials disclosed that several of the victims were burned beyond recognition, complicating the identification process.

Eyewitness Steven Mokodompit, a resident living close to the facility, said the fire appeared to have started in the nursing home’s kitchen. He arrived at the scene around 8:00 p.m., where flames were already spreading.

“During the rescue, we heard an explosion and screams for help. In just five minutes, the fire had engulfed the building,” Mokodompit told local outlet Detikcom.

He said he and other residents improvised rescue efforts by stacking tables and ladders to help evacuate elderly occupants through the back of the building.

The tragedy once again highlights concerns over fire safety in Indonesia, where deadly blazes are frequent. Earlier this month, 22 people were killed in a fire at a seven-storey office building in Jakarta, raising renewed calls for stricter enforcement of safety regulations nationwide.

Fire Guts Nursing Home in Indonesia, 16 Elderly Residents Killed

BBC

Italy Arrests Nine Over €7M Hamas Funding Network, Seizes €8M in Assets

Italian authorities have arrested nine people accused of raising around €7 million (£6 million) for Hamas over more than two years under the guise of humanitarian aid for Palestinians, in a major counter-terror operation.

According to a police statement, the funds, which were ostensibly collected to support Palestinian civilians, were instead diverted to the militant group via a “complex fundraising system”. As part of the investigation, police also seized more than €8 million (£7 million) in assets.

The suspects are accused of financing operations believed to have contributed to terrorist activities. The arrests were carried out jointly by Italy’s counter-terror police and financial police, following an investigation that began after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack in southern Israel.

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Investigators traced a network headquartered in Genoa with branches in Milan, uncovering a system that channelled over 71% of collected donations to Hamas’s military wing and to support the families of suicide bombers or those detained for terrorism.

Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi said the most prominent suspect is Mohammad Hannoun, president of the Palestinian Association in Italy, who has previously denied allegations of financing Hamas. Piantedosi praised police efforts but emphasised the presumption of innocence at this stage.

Authorities described the operation as a major success in disrupting the financial networks that support terrorism in Europe, highlighting ongoing vigilance against terrorist financing disguised as humanitarian aid.

Italy Arrests Nine Over €7M Hamas Funding Network, Seizes €8M in Assets

BBC