China launched missiles during exercises on the blockade of Taiwan. What the media is writing

Large-scale exercises of the People's Liberation Army of China are continuing near Taiwan, during which actions to blockade the island are being practiced. The Chinese military used rockets and artillery. The exercises were a response to Taiwan's largest arms purchase deal with the United States. What the world media write about the maneuvers of the Chinese army is in the Izvestia digest.

Reuters: China fired missiles towards Taiwan during exercises simulating a blockade

China has fired missiles at waters off Taiwan's northern and southern coasts and deployed new amphibious assault ships, bombers and destroyers on the second day of its largest military exercises to enforce a blockade of the island. The command reported that live firing will continue until 18:00 (13:00 Moscow time) on December 30, affecting the sea and airspace of five areas around Taiwan. A video was also posted that appears to show a mobile PCH-191 rocket launcher firing into the sea from an unidentified location in China.

A senior Taiwanese security official said Taipei was monitoring whether this sixth major round of military exercises since 2022, when then-Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi visited the island, would lead to China launching missiles over Taiwan, as it did then. According to the source, Beijing uses these exercises to practice strikes against ground targets, such as the American HIMARS missile system, capable of hitting coastal targets in southern China.

Playing on nerves: why is China conducting large-scale exercises around Taiwan

Experts spoke about the consequences of a potential blockade of the island.

Associated Press: Why is China conducting military exercises around Taiwan

China's decision to use serious firepower during military exercises in the waters off the coast of Taiwan this week has deep roots — both in the last few weeks and in the last few decades. The island is the most sensitive political issue for China. This has been the case since Taiwan seceded from the mainland in 1949 after the civil war. Today, although the island governs itself independently, China claims it as a sovereign territory.

Then, last week, the US State Department announced the sale to Taiwan of a large package of weapons worth more than $10 billion, including medium-range missiles, howitzers and drones. If Congress approves the deal, which seems likely, it will be the largest U.S. arms package for Taiwan in history, exceeding the $8.4 billion in U.S. arms sales to the island under President Joe Biden. China said the move would harm its sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.

The New York Times: China uses artillery and warships to blockade Taiwan

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense said Chinese long-range artillery units in Fujian Province, located opposite Taiwan, fired on waters north of the island that are outside the 24-mile zone within which Taiwan enforces its laws. The Chinese military confirmed that they fired north of Taiwan, and later said that they also fired long-range artillery at the sea south of the island.

The current exercises put an end to an eight-month period of relative calm in the Taiwan Strait. By abruptly resuming the exercises, Chinese leader Xi Jinping seems to be reminding Taiwan, as well as other countries and his own people, that the Chinese People's Liberation Army is ready to attack the island on orders. A representative of the Chinese armed forces said that the exercises are designed to warn other countries that may provide support to the island state.

BBC News: Trump downplays significance of Chinese military exercises around Taiwan

US President Donald Trump said he was not concerned about Beijing's military exercises around Taiwan, during which Chinese troops are practicing the blockade of the island. The Chinese army's Eastern Command, which is responsible for the Taiwan Strait, said it had prepared destroyers, frigates and fighter-bombers to test the "coordination of actions at sea and in the air" and the "comprehensive deterrence capabilities" of the armed forces.

The administration of the President of Taiwan criticized these exercises, calling them a challenge to international norms. In a statement released on the morning of December 30, Taiwan's President Lai Qingde said that escalating military pressure "is not something that a responsible power should do." Although Trump downplays the importance of the ongoing exercises, his administration recently announced the delivery of an arms package to Taiwan that includes advanced rocket launchers, self-propelled howitzers and various missiles.

CNN: What does the US arms deal include?

The landmark $11.1 billion arms supply agreement between the United States and Taiwan includes HIMARS missile systems, anti-tank and anti-tank missiles, barrage drones, howitzers, and military software. Washington recognizes the People's Republic of China as the sole legitimate government of China, but maintains close unofficial ties with Taipei, which have strengthened in recent years. By law, the United States is required to provide the island with means for self-defense and provide it with defensive weapons.

Taiwan has been increasing military purchases in recent years amid increasing pressure from Beijing. Chinese aircraft and ships have an almost daily presence around Taiwan, and large-scale exercises are regularly conducted in and over the surrounding waters. Part of the latest deal will be funded by the historic $40 billion special defense budget proposed by Taiwan's president at the end of November. He is having a hard time getting approval in Taiwan's opposition-controlled legislature, which is in a state of fierce opposition.