QUAD meets in Beijing amid China’s drills near Taiwan
US Ambassador to China, David Perdue, reaffirmed QUAD’s role in sustaining a free and open Indo-Pacific. In the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) ambassadors meeting in Beijing, China, David underscored the strength of the US-Australia-India-Japan partnership. The statement comes amid ongoing aggressive large-scale Chinese military exercises in the South China Sea, and around Taiwan.
In a post on X following the meeting, Ambassador Perdue described the grouping as "a force for good" and emphasised the four nations' continued commitment to regional stability and security, and wrote, "The Quad is a force for good working to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific. It is always great to meet with the Quad Ambassadors here in Beijing. The US-Australia-India-Japan relationship continues to be strong.”
Also Read: China’s military drills near Taiwan Strait enter second day
The Chinese government claims Taiwan is a “sacred and inseparable part of China.”
China, Taiwan, and "Justice Mission 2025"?
According to China Daily, citing a spokesperson for the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theatre Command, the military exercise codenamed "Justice Mission 2025" involves the coordinated participation of China's ground forces, air force, navy, missile units, and other branches of the military.
Senior Colonel Shi Yi, spokesperson for the PLA Eastern Theatre Command, said that the exercise includes air and maritime patrols, simulated strikes against hostile targets, blockades of key ports and areas, and deterrence operations along the periphery of the battlefield. The drills are designed to test the PLA's joint combat and integrated operational capabilities. This move by China can be seen as an aggravated attempt to assert its claim over the island, which Beijing claims to be an integral part of its territory.
The exercise also follows the US administration's approval, under President Donald Trump, of a major arms package for Taiwan on December 18, whose proposed sales are valued at USD 11.1 billion, as per the US State Department.
The potential sale of eight arms packages to Taiwan, including HIMARS rocket systems, anti-tank missiles, and drones.
Taiwan has strongly condemned the actions by China in the South China Sea, calling them "irrational provocations" that undermine the regional peace.
"We strongly condemn the PRC's irrational provocations and oppose the PLA's actions that undermine regional peace. Rapid Response Exercises are underway, with forces on high alert to defend the Republic of China and protect our people," the Taiwanese Ministry of National Defence stated in a post on X.