International

China Stages Record Military Exercises Around Taiwan Amid US Arms Deal

Published

3 weeks ago

December 29, 2025

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

Related Topics:China Military Exercises Taiwan US

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Saudi Arabia Backs Next Phase of Gaza Peace Plan, Supports Trump’s Board of Peace

Published

2 hours ago

January 21, 2026

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Saudi ministers welcome next phase of Gaza plan, Trump’s Board of Peace

Saudi Arabia Backs Next Phase of Gaza Peace Plan, Supports Trump’s Board of Peace

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia has officially welcomed the next phase of the Gaza peace plan, including the formation of U.S. President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace”, underscoring Riyadh’s commitment to a ceasefire, humanitarian aid, and political stability in the war‑torn Gaza Strip.

At a Cabinet session chaired by King Salman, Saudi ministers reaffirmed support for the plan’s second phase, which calls for Palestinian governance in Gaza, coordinated reconstruction efforts, and the return of the Palestinian Authority. The government also reiterated its commitment to the two‑state solution and urged international collaboration for lasting peace.

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The announcement follows broader diplomatic developments: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accepted an invitation to join the board, while the UAE also expressed readiness to participate. The board aims to coordinate regional and international efforts to stabilize Gaza and facilitate post-conflict recovery.

While Saudi Arabia and some regional allies have embraced the initiative, other nations, including France, have expressed caution, questioning the board’s mandate relative to the United Nations’ role in mediating peace. Despite these differing reactions, Riyadh’s endorsement signals a push for structured diplomacy and practical support for Palestinian civilians amid ongoing conflict.

The Saudi position highlights its effort to balance regional stability, humanitarian concerns, and long-term advocacy for Palestinian sovereignty, aligning with the Arab Peace Initiative and broader international law.

Saudi Arabia Backs Next Phase of Gaza Peace Plan, Supports Trump’s Board of Peace

International

Israeli Authorities Demolish UN Compound in Occupied East Jerusalem

Published

19 hours ago

January 20, 2026

Trends Admin

Israeli Authorities Demolish UN Compound in Occupied East Jerusalem

Israeli Authorities Demolish UN Compound in Occupied East Jerusalem

Israeli authorities have demolished buildings inside a United Nations compound in occupied East Jerusalem, escalating tensions with the UN and drawing sharp condemnation from the international community.

The demolition targeted facilities belonging to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in the Sheikh Jarrah area. According to UN officials, Israeli forces entered the compound with heavy machinery and razed several structures used for humanitarian and operational purposes, despite the site’s UN-protected status.

The United Nations described the action as a violation of international law, stressing that UN premises are inviolable and protected under international conventions. UNRWA warned that the demolition would severely disrupt humanitarian operations serving Palestinian refugees in East Jerusalem and beyond.

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Israeli officials defended the move, citing domestic legislation and claiming the agency’s presence was unlawful. However, the justification has been rejected by the UN, which maintains that East Jerusalem is occupied territory and that Israel is bound by international obligations.

The demolition comes amid a wider crackdown on UNRWA activities following recent Israeli laws restricting the agency’s operations. It also coincides with heightened tensions in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, including settlement expansion, home demolitions, and repeated clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinians.

Several countries, including Jordan and other Arab states, condemned the demolition, warning that it undermines humanitarian work and further destabilises an already volatile region. Human rights groups have also called for international accountability, urging global bodies to intervene to protect UN facilities and civilian aid operations.

Diplomats say the incident is likely to deepen strains between Israel and the UN, with the issue expected to feature prominently in upcoming UN Security Council discussions.

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Greenland Dispute: Trump Insists Tariffs Will Happen as EU Pushes Back

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20 hours ago

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Greenland Dispute: Trump Insists Tariffs Will Happen as EU Pushes Back

US President Donald Trump has escalated tensions with Europe after declaring he will “100%” carry out his threat to impose tariffs linked to Greenland, warning that the United States will not back down despite growing resistance from the European Union (EU).

Speaking amid renewed debate over Greenland’s strategic importance, Trump insisted that punitive US tariffs on European goods would be enforced if Washington’s demands are ignored. The remarks have triggered sharp reactions across Europe, with EU leaders vowing to protect their economic and political interests and reject any form of pressure over the Arctic territory.

The EU Commission said the bloc remains united, stressing that Greenland’s status and sovereignty are non-negotiable and must be determined by its people in line with international law. European officials also warned that the EU has the tools to respond if the US follows through with trade penalties.

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The standoff has heightened fears of a wider US–EU trade dispute, with analysts warning that fresh tariffs could disrupt global markets, strain transatlantic relations and impact key sectors, including manufacturing, agriculture and energy.

The Greenland dispute comes as geopolitical competition intensifies in the Arctic region, driven by climate change, access to natural resources and security concerns. European leaders have called for dialogue to prevent escalation, even as they prepare potential countermeasures to safeguard EU economies.

With Trump standing firm and Europe closing ranks, observers say the coming weeks could define the future of US–EU relations, particularly as both sides weigh diplomacy against the risk of a full-blown trade confrontation.