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The U.S. says to China's military exercises near Taiwan "increase tensions unnecessarily." "We urge Beijing to exercise restraint, cease its military pressure against Taiwan, and instead engage in meaningful dialogue," per @StateDept

Reuters, citing the Chinese military: Long-range live-fire drill conducted in waters surrounding northern Taiwan

On Monday, December 29, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command organized joint exercises around Taiwan Island. The drills, code-named "Justice Mission 2025," spanned five designated zones, forming a coordinated operational posture around the island

China's Coast Guard has released three images as part of its patrol activity around Taiwan during the PLA's joint exercise encircling the island. The images show CCG vessels participating in "law enforcement" patrols around Taiwan and the outlying islands of Wuqiu and Mazu

Chinese Foreign Ministry: We are determined to defend our national sovereignty and any attempt to obstruct the reunification of the country will not succeed.

Chinese Foreign Ministry: We oppose any attempt to divide Somali territory

Poster released by Chinese state media ahead of Monday's snap-military drills around the Island of Taiwan, dubbed "Justice Mission 2025," showing satellite imagery of Taiwanese airbases and other military sites with the text: "How could you ever attempt independence"

Taiwanese Ministry of Defense: 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 Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army has tonight announced a snap-military exercise in the Taiwan Strait and around the Island of Taiwan, dubbed Exercise “Justice Mission 2025” which will begin later this evening and last until Tuesday, December 30. Elements of the People’s Liberation Army, Navy, Air Force, and Rocket Force will participate in the exercise, which appears to be yet another attempt to simulate a blockade of Taiwan from the north, south, and east, rehearsing the beginning stages of a future invasion of the island by China.

In the event of a possible escalation of the situation in the Taiwan Strait, Russia will support China in protecting national unity and territorial integrity, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated.

China is likely to have loaded more than 100 DF-31 intercontinental ballistic missiles across three silo fields, according to a draft Pentagon report seen by Reuters

Earthquake of magnitude 4.6 - 98 km N of Beitanzhuang, China

U.S. approves $12 BILLION in weapons sales to Taiwan as tensions with Beijing mount. State Department clears 8 major military packages including HIMARS and autonomous drones

Міністерство оборони Тайваню заявило у четвер, що уряд США продовжує продаж зброї Тайваню на суму 11,1 мільярда доларів, що є найбільшим в історії пакетом озброєнь США для острова, який Китай вважає своєю власною територією.

China's Foreign Ministry sends letters to the WSJ, WAPO to protest their coverage of Jimmy Lai's trial and conviction

Residents in the jade-mining hub of Hpakant in Kachin State staged an anti-election protest on Saturday, opposing the regime’s China-backed election plan and calling for the release of all political prisoners.

Earthquake of magnitude 4.7 - 106 km WSW of Turpan, China

Earthquake of magnitude 4.7 - 39 km SW of Shuanglong, China

Earthquake of magnitude 5.1 - western Xizang

EU tightening regulation of Chinese online platforms. Brussels raids Temu in foreign subsidy investigation

Chinese Defense Ministry: Joint air patrols between China and Russia demonstrate the two countries' determination to maintain regional peace and stability.

Japan is making progress in building a "missile archipelago" near Taiwan, bolstering its defenses against growing military pressure from China. The deployment includes missile batteries, radar systems, ammunition depots, and strategic resources in the Ryukyu Islands.

Japan Summons Chinese Ambassador After Fighter Jet Radar Lock Incident Near Okinawa. Beijing accused Japan of “slandering and smearing” China’s operations and said it filed its own counter-protest

The Japanese Defense Ministry said that J-15 fighter jets from the Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning locked their radars twice on Japanese aircraft on Saturday, a move seen as a prelude to putting the targeted aircraft "in firing range," prompting a formal protest from Tokyo.

German Foreign Minister: China is our most important trading partner and we want to expand this partnership.

AFP, citing the White House: Japan and South Korea must contribute more to the defense of Taiwan.

China massing large number of naval vessels in East Asian waters, over 90 vessels as of Thursday morning, the largest show of force from China "to date." - Reuters

Earthquake of magnitude 4.8 - 99 km ENE of Nagqu, China

Putin signed a decree granting visa-free entry to Russia for Chinese citizens.

The death toll from the fire that swept through multiple residential towers in Hong Kong has risen to nearly 150, according to officials. Over 40 still unaccounted for.