Beijing, Dec. 29 -- China on Monday announced the launch of a large-scale inter-service joint military exercise around Taiwan, showcasing its assertion over the island nation, which Beijing claims "is a sacred and inseparable part" of its territory.

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...