China holds military drills around Taiwan as warning to 'separatist forces'

China conducts military drills around Taiwan simulating key area seizures and blockades as a warning to "separatist forces". Codenamed "Justice Mission 2025", the drills involve army, navy, air force, and rocket force, including live-fire exercises, following the US' $11bn weapons sale to Taiwan. Taiwan's defense ministry is on high alert, criticizing the Chinese drills as a challenge to international norms, while polls show Taiwanese seeking to maintain the status quo and avoid unification with China. Since Yang Zhibin assumed command of the Eastern Theater, these drills mark his first and follow Beijing's increased military exercises in response to perceived threats, including a focus on enhancing Taiwan's defense capabilities under President Lai.