China Conducts Military Drills Around Taiwan Amid Rising Tensions

Mon Dec 29 2025 08:41:33 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a show of military strength, China plans extensive exercises around Taiwan, simulating potential blockades as a warning to separatist forces.

China has announced military drills surrounding Taiwan set for Tuesday, involving multiple branches of the armed forces in live-fire exercises. The drills, named 'Justice Mission 2025', come in response to increased support for Taiwan's defense from the US and ongoing tensions regarding Taiwan's sovereignty. Taiwan has condemned the exercises and placed its military on high alert to counter potential threats.

China has announced it will hold military drills around Taiwan simulating the seizure and blockade of the island's key areas, as a warning against separatist forces.

The army, navy, air force and rocket force would be dispatched for the drills scheduled for Tuesday, which include live-fire exercises, the Chinese military said.

Codenamed Justice Mission 2025, the drills are taking place days after the US announced the sale of one of its largest weapons packages to Taiwan worth $11bn (£8.2bn). That move drew sharp protest from Beijing, which in turn sanctioned US defense firms.

Taiwan's push to ramp up its defense this year has also angered Beijing, which claims the self-ruled island as its territory.

Taiwan's presidential office has criticized the upcoming Chinese drills, calling them a challenge to international norms.

Taiwan's defense ministry reported detecting Chinese aircraft and ships around Taiwan, deploying their forces and missile systems to monitor the situation while their forces are on high alert.

In a post on Weibo, the Chinese military's Eastern Theater Command, which oversees the Taiwan Strait, described the upcoming military exercise as a shield of justice. They stated that all those plotting independence will be annihilated upon encountering the shield!.

China has a law asserting it will utilize non-peaceful means to prevent Taiwan's separation, despite traditionally advocating for peaceful reunification.

The Taiwanese president, Lai Ching-te, maintains that Taiwan is already a sovereign nation and has no obligation to declare independence.

Lai emphasized the need to enhance Taiwan's defensive capabilities amidst rising tensions with China, asserting that peace relies on real strength.

Polls indicate that the majority of the Taiwanese population prefers maintaining the current status quo, refraining from unification or declaring independence.

This week's military drills will also focus on deterring threats outside the island chain, as relations between China and Japan have soured over recent statements from Japanese leaders regarding potential military support for Taiwan.

Since 2022, China has intensified military exercises in the Taiwan Strait in response to perceived provocations, including significant visits from U.S. officials and Taiwanese political developments.