Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 11:28am on 01 Jan 2026,Thursday International
Even as China conducted large-scale military drills — including live-fire exercises and simulated blockades dubbed “Justice Mission 2025” — around Taiwan’s coast, everyday life largely went on as usual for residents, Al Jazeera reports. Many locals carried on routines like socialising and working without disruption, reflecting an enduring normalization of cross-strait tensions. While the exercises underscored Beijing’s growing assertiveness over Taiwan, they did not visibly alter civilian activities. The drills, widely covered in media and discussed online, highlight persistent geopolitical friction as China asserts claims over Taiwan, which it views as part of its territory. (PC: Al Jazeera)