Dec. 29 (UPI) -- China began holding live-fire military drills around Taiwan on Monday, creating a simulation of a blockade of the island's major ports as a warning to "separatist forces."
The army, navy, air force and rocket force are participating in the drills, China said. The Chinese military calls the drills "Justice Mission 2025."
Taiwan is a self-governing nation that China claims as its own. On Friday, China sanctioned U.S. companies and their leadership after the United States announced an $11.1 billion arms deal with Taiwan on Dec. 18.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and his party are urging Taiwan to accept "peaceful reunification," but the majority of Taiwanese people don't want Chinese rule.
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