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Beijing’s Show of Force: China Launches Major Drills Around Taiwan

  A ship fires a weapon during drills east of Taiwan in this screenshot from a video released by the Eastern Theater Command of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) on Dec. 29, 2025. China has initiated large‑scale military exercises around Taiwan, framing the operation as a direct warning to what it calls separatist forces and foreign supporters. The drills, conducted by the Eastern Theatre Command, involve naval vessels, fighter jets, and missile units operating across multiple zones encircling the island. According to Chinese military statements, the exercises are designed to test joint combat readiness and simulate scenarios such as blockades and precision strikes. The move follows heightened tensions over international engagement with Taiwan, including recent arms sales and diplomatic exchanges that Beijing views as challenges to its sovereignty claims. Taiwan’s defense ministry denounced the drills as coercive and destabilizing, placing its military on alert and trac...

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Your daily horoscope: December 29, 2025

 

IF TODAY IS YOUR BIRTHDAY

Some big challenges will come your way over the next 12 months but you won’t shirk from tackling them head on. More than any other sign you enjoy being put to the test, not least because it allows you to show off your skills.

ARIES (March 21 - April 20):

You may have a great sense of fun but with so much cosmic activity in the career area of your chart you would be wise not to crack jokes at the expense of your employer or senior colleagues. Not everyone shares your sense of humour.

TAURUS (April 21 - May 21):

If the domestic atmosphere is a bit uneasy today it might be a good idea to remove yourself from the scene for a while. Go some place where you can relax, forget petty squabbles and dream your best dreams.

GEMINI (May 22 - June 21):

You can be a bit hyperactive at times and with so much nervous energy at your disposal today you won’t sit quietly working on a single task. If you feel the need to rush in several directions at once then by all means indulge yourself.

CANCER (June 22 - July 23):

An unexpected outflow of cash could worry you today but it’s unlikely to break the bank so don’t get uptight about it. At the most you will have to work a bit harder for a while longer but you will make up the shortfall soon enough.

LEO (July 24 - Aug. 23):

If you find yourself having to deal with someone who is both unreasonable and obstructive today your best course of action by far is to turn your back and walk away. The planets indicate you won’t lose out by taking your business elsewhere.

VIRGO (Aug. 24 - Sept. 23):

You may be suspicious because a friend or loved one is giving you evasive answers but it doesn’t mean they are up to no good. More likely they just don’t want you to know about a personal matter of some sort. Respect their privacy.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 - Oct. 23):

As a cardinal sign you are used to taking the lead but there will be times over the next few days when you wish you could hand your responsibilities to someone else. But you can’t, so stop feeling sorry for yourself and do what needs to be done.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22):

You may have total belief in what you are doing but not everyone thinks you are on the right track. Will that worry you or hold you back? Of course not. It’s simply not in your nature to let other people’s doubts affect you like that.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 - Dec. 21):

If people you live or work alongside seem annoyed by what you are doing today then do it even more. You need to send a message that you are not going to change your ways just because they don’t share your sense of adventure.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 20):

Make sure you push for the best possible deal when negotiating financial and business matters. It’s inevitable that some people will try to bargain you down but if you stand firm they will meet your demands, because they don’t want you to walk away.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 - Feb. 19):

You hate it when you have no control over what’s going on around you and that means you are going to hate what happens today. It’s unlikely to affect you in any material way though, so quit worrying and get on with your life.

PISCES (Feb. 20 - Mar. 20):

The past few days have taken a lot out of you physically and emotionally and if you are smart you will slow down a bit as the week gets under way. You want to be going into the new year with a smile on your face, not a yawn!

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