China’s military has initiated significant military exercises near Taiwan, dubbed “Justice Mission 2025.” The drills began on Monday, with the deployment of army, naval, air force, and artillery units around the island. In response, Taiwan has mobilized its troops, committing to defend its democratic values against potential aggression.
According to the Eastern Theatre Command, live-fire exercises are set to take place on Tuesday. A statement from the command outlined five zones around Taiwan that will be subject to sea and airspace restrictions for a period of ten hours. This marks China’s sixth major military exercise in the region since 2022, following a visit to Taiwan by then-US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, which heightened tensions between the two nations.
These drills come shortly after the United States announced a historic arms sales package to Taiwan, valued at $11.1 billion. This is the largest weapons deal for the island to date, prompting a strong reaction from China’s defense ministry, which warned of “forceful measures” in response to what it perceives as foreign interference.
Escalating Military Posturing
The exercises conducted by China increasingly blur the lines between routine military preparedness and potential preparations for an attack. Analysts suggest that such maneuvers serve to demonstrate China’s military capabilities while providing minimal warning to the United States and its allies in the event of an actual assault.
The Chinese military announced the deployment of various assets, including fighter jets, bombers, unmanned aerial vehicles, and long-range rockets. They plan to simulate coordinated assaults on Taiwan from multiple directions while practicing strikes on mobile land-based targets. Shi Yi, a spokesperson for the Eastern Theatre Command, stated that these actions are intended as a “serious warning” to what they term “Taiwan Independence” forces, as well as external entities intervening in the region.
Taiwan’s government has condemned the military drills. A spokesperson from the presidential office urged China not to misinterpret the situation and to refrain from actions that could destabilize regional peace. The island’s defense ministry reported that in the past 24 hours, two Chinese military aircraft and eleven ships have been active around Taiwan. In light of these developments, Taiwan’s military remains on high alert and is prepared to conduct “rapid response exercises” to swiftly mobilize in case of an unexpected attack.
Public Sentiment and Economic Impact
Taiwan’s commitment to defending its democracy and freedom was echoed in a statement from the defense ministry, which emphasized that all armed forces would stay vigilant and ready. Despite the heightened military activity, Taiwan’s stock markets showed resilience, rising by 0.3 percent to reach record highs in morning trading.
Amid these drills, the Chinese military released posters titled “Shields of Justice: Smashing Illusions” and “Arrows of Justice: Control and Denial.” These graphics depict military assets and assertively state that any foreign interference will be met with severe consequences. The drills are focused on blockading Taiwan’s critical ports, including the deep-water Port of Keelung in the north and Kaohsiung in the south, the largest port city on the island.
This latest round of drills not only serves to demonstrate military strength but also reflects a broader narrative from Beijing, emphasizing its claims over Taiwan. Chinese leader Xi Jinping has articulated that Taiwan’s reunification with China is central to the nation’s vision for global order. Taiwan, however, continues to reject these assertions, insisting that its future can only be determined by its people.
As tensions continue to escalate in the Taiwan Strait, both sides remain on high alert, with the international community closely monitoring the situation.
