The People’s Liberation Army of China announced on New Year’s Eve the successful completion of its two-day “Justice Mission 2025” military exercises in waters surrounding Taiwan. Senior Captain Li Xi, spokesperson for the PLA’s Eastern Theater Command, stated that the operations had thoroughly evaluated the integrated joint combat capabilities of Chinese forces while demonstrating heightened alert status against perceived separatist activities.
The drills, characterized by their substantial scale and strategic positioning, represented Beijing’s latest assertion of its territorial claims over the self-governed island. While official announcements provided minimal operational details beyond rousing promotional videos accompanied by martial music, the exercises concluded amid heightened regional tensions during the final days of 2025.
Chinese President Xi Jinping indirectly referenced the Taiwan situation in his annual New Year’s address, emphasizing the “blood and kinship” bonds between Chinese people across the Strait and declaring national reunification as “an unstoppable trend of the times.”
The military maneuvers drew significant international concern, with Japan’s Foreign Ministry characterizing them as tension-escalating actions and reaffirming its preference for peaceful resolution through dialogue. This response followed earlier statements by Japan’s prime minister suggesting potential military intervention should Taiwan face direct attack.
The United States faced Chinese criticism following its December announcement of a substantial arms sales package to Taiwan, potentially representing the largest such military aid package if approved by Congress. Philippine Defense Minister Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. expressed deep concern about China’s actions, noting their implications for regional stability in the broader Indo-Pacific community.
Despite the heightened tensions, former U.S. President Donald Trump downplayed concerns, citing his positive relationship with Xi Jinping and noting China’s long history of conducting naval exercises in the area.