The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has announced a series of major military exercises, dubbed “Shield of Justice,” in five zones surrounding Taiwan. Scheduled to take place on Tuesday, December 30, the drills include live-firing activities intended as a “stern warning” to external forces and separatists. This move follows a period of heightened friction between Beijing, Washington, and Tokyo, with Chinese social media posts accompanying the drills using provocative language about “smashing illusions” of foreign intervention.
