China Conducts Large-Scale Military Drills Around Taiwan Amid Rising Tensions

China held large-scale military drills around Taiwan, deploying rockets, warships, and aircraft to simulate a blockade. Taiwan reported over 130 Chinese planes and 22 vessels in the area. The exercises, called "Justice Mission 2025," were framed by China as a warning against Taiwan independence and in response to U.S. arms sales. Taiwan condemned the drills but avoided escalation, with minor flight disruptions reported.

China intensified its military activities around Taiwan on Tuesday, launching rockets and deploying warships, bombers, and amphibious assault vessels as part of the second day of large-scale exercises aimed at rehearsing a potential blockade of the self-governing island. These drills are seen as a demonstration of military power and a signal to both Taipei and the international community, particularly in response to recent arms deals between the United States and Taiwan, as well as Japan’s growing involvement in regional security issues.
Taiwan’s Defense Ministry confirmed the continuation of live-firing drills, reporting that over a 24-hour period ending at 6 a.m. local time (2200 GMT), it had detected more than 130 Chinese military aircraft operating in its airspace and 22 naval and coast guard vessels maneuvering around the island. The ministry emphasized that these operations pose a significant challenge to Taiwan’s defense systems and require constant monitoring.
The Chinese military exercises, officially named "Justice Mission 2025," involve multiple zones surrounding Taiwan and include simulations of attacks on both maritime areas and strategically important ports. According to China’s Eastern Theater Command, the drills are designed to test combat readiness in a range of scenarios, including amphibious assaults and precision strikes. Chinese authorities stated that the exercises are scheduled to end at 6 p.m. local time on Tuesday and will encompass five major operational zones surrounding the island.
Shi Yi, a spokesperson for the Chinese military, characterized the exercises as a “stern warning against ‘Taiwan Independence’ separatist forces” and described them as “a legitimate and necessary action to safeguard China’s sovereignty and national unity,” as reported by state broadcaster CCTV. On Monday, China had framed the drills as a deterrent to prevent any external military intervention in the Taiwan Strait.
The timing of these exercises coincides with the United States’ announcement of a record $11.1 billion (€9.43 billion) arms package to Taiwan, which includes advanced missiles, drones, artillery systems, and military software. The announcement has drawn sharp criticism from Beijing, which views the sale as an escalation of tensions and interference in China’s internal affairs. At the same time, regional security dynamics have been further complicated by statements from Japan indicating that its military could potentially intervene if China were to take aggressive action against Taiwan, adding to the pressure on Beijing and Taipei alike.
China’s top diplomat, Wang Yi, criticized both pro-independence forces in Taiwan and Japan’s leadership during an end-of-year diplomatic event in Beijing. Wang stated: “In response to the continuous provocations by pro-independence forces in Taiwan and the large-scale US arms sales to Taiwan, we must resolutely oppose and strongly counter them,” signaling a continued hardline approach by Beijing.
In a further display of military messaging, Chinese state media released a poster on Tuesday depicting Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te being struck by two hammers, one hitting the southern part of the island and the other the northern part. On Monday, the Chinese military also circulated an AI-generated video showing humanoid robots, microdrones, and weaponized robotic dogs attacking Taiwan, demonstrating the country’s interest in combining conventional military exercises with technological and psychological operations.
Taiwan, which functions as a self-governing island, remains under formal claim by Beijing, which considers it part of Chinese territory. President Lai condemned the Chinese drills as irresponsible but emphasized that Taiwan would not take steps that could escalate the situation, maintaining a stance of cautious defense rather than provocation.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Taiwan reported that the drills have affected 11 out of the island’s 14 flight routes, though disruption to international flights has been limited. The exercises have not gone unnoticed by ordinary Taiwanese citizens, many of whom have expressed a defiant stance. “If you stand your ground, there’s nothing to be afraid of,” 80-year-old Tseng Chang-chih told AFP. “War? Impossible. It’s just posturing. If they really attacked Taiwan, they would have to pay a price.”
Overall, the ongoing military drills, combined with rising regional tensions and the recent US arms package, underscore the fragility of cross-strait relations. They highlight both China’s determination to assert its claims over Taiwan and the complexities of international responses, including the roles of the United States and Japan in shaping the strategic environment around the island.
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