China launches biggest military encirclement of Taiwan in 8 months with live-fire drills, rockets and warships in massive 'Justice Mission 2025' exercise.

China launched live-fire drills around Taiwan that it said would simulate a blockade of the self-ruled island's key ports, prompting Taipei to condemn Beijing's "military intimidation."

The drills came after Beijing expressed anger at U.S. arms sales, and a statement by Japan's prime minister saying its military could get involved if China were to take action against Taiwan.

Senior Col. Shi Yi, spokesperson of the Eastern Theater Command, said the drills were a “stern warning against ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist forces and external interference forces” and described the military action as a “necessary” move to protect China’s "sovereignty and national unity.”