Beijing/Taipei, December 29, 2025 – China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) has initiated extensive military exercises codenamed "Justice Mission 2025" surrounding Taiwan, mobilizing forces from its army, navy, air force, and rocket units in a display of force described by Beijing as a "stern warning" against Taiwanese independence movements and external interference.
The drills, which commenced on Monday, involve a comprehensive array of military assets, including destroyers, frigates, fighter jets, bombers, drones, and long-range missile systems. The PLA's Eastern Theater Command announced that the operations focus on testing joint combat readiness, simulating the blockade and control of key ports and critical maritime areas, conducting live-fire exercises, and practicing all-dimensional deterrence beyond the island chain. Five designated maritime and airspace zones encircling Taiwan have been marked for intensified activities, including live-fire drills scheduled for Tuesday, December 30.
Senior Colonel Shi Yi, spokesperson for the Eastern Theater Command, stated that the exercises are a "legitimate and necessary action to safeguard China's sovereignty and national unity," directly targeting "Taiwan independence separatist forces" and "external interference forces." The PLA released propaganda posters titled "Shields of Justice: Smashing Illusions" and "Arrows of Justice: Control and Denial," underscoring the operation's intent to counter perceived provocations.
The timing of "Justice Mission 2025" appears linked to several recent developments that have heightened Beijing's sensitivities. Just 11 days prior, on December 18, the United States approved its largest-ever arms sale to Taiwan, valued at approximately $11.1 billion. The package includes 82 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), 420 Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) with ranges up to 300 kilometers, self-propelled howitzers, loitering munitions, anti-tank missiles, and other advanced equipment aimed at bolstering Taiwan's asymmetric defense capabilities.
Additionally, statements from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi earlier in the month suggested that a Chinese military action against Taiwan, including a potential blockade, could constitute a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan, potentially warranting a military response. These remarks, made in November, have been vehemently criticized by Beijing as crossing a "red line" and interfering in China's internal affairs.
Further fueling tensions, Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te announced in late November a proposed $40 billion supplementary defense budget spanning 2026 to 2033. The funds are earmarked for acquiring U.S. weapons, developing precision-strike missiles, drones, and an advanced island-wide air defense network dubbed the "T-Dome," designed for multi-layered detection and interception of threats. The proposal, intended to elevate Taiwan's defense spending toward 5% of GDP by 2030, has faced opposition in the legislature but signals Taipei's resolve to enhance deterrence.
Taiwan's government swiftly condemned the Chinese drills as "irrational provocation" and "military intimidation" that undermine regional peace and stability. President Lai's office urged Beijing to cease such actions immediately, while the defense ministry reported detecting 89 Chinese warplanes and 28 warships and coastguard vessels in the vicinity on Monday alone – the highest daily aircraft tally in over a year. In response, Taiwan activated a rapid response center, deployed appropriate forces, and conducted its own exercises, including showcasing U.S.-supplied HIMARS systems capable of striking targets across the Taiwan Strait.
The U.S. State Department, adhering to its "One China" policy while committed to providing Taiwan with defensive arms under the Taiwan Relations Act, reiterated that the recent sales are designed to maintain cross-strait balance and promote stability amid China's growing assertiveness. Analysts note that the drills blur the line between routine training and potential rehearsal for conflict scenarios, including isolating Taiwan from external support.
This marks the sixth major PLA exercise targeting Taiwan since 2022, when similar large-scale drills followed a visit by then-U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The current operation is described as one of the most extensive yet, with zones overlapping closer to Taiwan's territorial boundaries and disrupting over 850 flights affecting more than 100,000 passengers.
Regional observers express concern over the escalating cycle of provocations. While Taiwan's markets showed resilience, rising slightly amid the news, the broader implications for Indo-Pacific security remain profound. Beijing's actions underscore its longstanding claim that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China, rejecting any moves toward formal independence. Taipei, however, maintains that only its people can determine the island's future and vows to defend its democracy.
As "Justice Mission 2025" continues into Tuesday with live-fire components, international attention focuses on whether the exercises will remain contained or signal a new phase in cross-strait dynamics. Experts warn that repeated large-scale drills erode strategic stability, increasing the risk of miscalculation in one of the world's most volatile flashpoints.
The situation highlights the delicate balance in the Taiwan Strait, where military posturing, arms procurements, and diplomatic rhetoric intersect. With U.S.-China relations under scrutiny and alliances in the region strengthening, the drills serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges to peace and security in Asia.
