Taiwan remained on high alert Wednesday despite the start of the withdrawal of Chinese ships that had participated in large-scale military exercises around the island, Taiwanese authorities said. The coast guard stated that the maritime emergency response center remained fully operational, while the movements of Chinese forces continued to be closely monitored.
The maneuvers, dubbed "Mission Justice 2025," involved rocket fire, warships, and aircraft operating near Taiwan. Taipei denounced the exercises, calling them a threat to regional security and an attempt at military intimidation. Taiwanese authorities stated that their forces monitored each phase of the operations and adjusted their defensive posture accordingly.
According to the coast guard, several Chinese vessels have begun withdrawing from areas near Taiwanese waters, but vigilance remains essential until all forces involved have left the region. Taiwan emphasized that Beijing's continued military pressure increases the risk of incidents in the already heavily militarized strait.
These exercises took place shortly after the United States announced a new weapons program for Taiwan, a decision sharply criticized by Beijing. China considers the island a renegade province and does not rule out the use of force to regain control, while Taiwan rejects Chinese sovereignty claims.
In this tense context, the ambassadors of the Quad countries—the United States, Japan, India, and Australia—are scheduled to meet in Beijing, a meeting closely watched by Taipei. Taiwanese authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to continued cooperation with international partners to preserve regional stability and deter any military escalation.
