TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) accused China of deliberately creating societal divisions in Taiwan on Monday (Dec. 29) after Beijing announced military exercises around the island at 7:30 a.m. China's Eastern Theater Command launched drills designated "Justice Mission 2025" (正義使命-2025) following last week's visit to China by Kuomintang (國民黨), Taiwan's main opposition party, legislator, and Sunday's Shanghai–Taipei City Forum (台北上海雙城論壇).
The premier said that "any attempt to endorse the 1992 Consensus or the 'one country, two systems' principle will only bring shame upon itself and shatter any illusions about China's goodwill." Cho urged Beijing to halt all exercises immediately and demanded safety for aircraft and vessels in Taiwan's airspace and territorial waters. He made the comments on his way to a media appearance on Monday morning shortly after China's announcement.
Cho emphasized the importance of unity and strength, stating that "only unity can eliminate enemies, and only strength can bring peace." He called on political parties to pass the central government's general and special defense budgets, which remain critical for Taiwan's security preparedness. Both budget measures remain deadlocked within the opposition-controlled Legislative Yuan (立法院), Taiwan's parliament.
China's Ministry of National Defense announced the Eastern Theater Command dispatched its army, air force, rocket force, and navy to conduct drills within the Taiwan Strait. Forces were deployed to the north, east, southwest, and southeast of Taiwan in the People's Liberation Army exercises. The Command's spokesperson, Shi Yi (施毅), said the drills serve as a "stern warning against 'Taiwan Independence' separatist forces and external interference." ◼
