China’s Eastern Theater Command has initiated extensive military exercises around Taiwan, simulating the seizure and blockade of strategic locations on the self-governed island. The multi-branch operation, codenamed “Justice Mission 2025,” involves live-fire exercises and deploys assets from the army, navy, air force, and rocket force.
The drills come in direct response to the United States’ recent approval of an $11 billion weapons package for Taiwan, which triggered immediate protests from Beijing and sanctions against US defense contractors. Taiwan’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its defensive capabilities have further exacerbated tensions with China, which maintains its claim over the island as sovereign territory.
In social media statements, the Eastern Theater Command characterized the exercises as a “shield of justice” against separatist movements, with explicit warnings that “all those plotting independence will be annihilated.” While preliminary operations began Monday, the primary exercises are scheduled for Tuesday between 08:00 and 18:00 local time.
Taiwan’s defense ministry reported detecting increased Chinese aerial and naval activity around the island and has placed its forces on “high alert” with deployed missile systems monitoring the situation. The presidential office in Taipei condemned the drills as violations of international norms.
The exercises occur under the new leadership of Eastern Theater Command chief Yang Zhibin, who assumed command in October. This continues a pattern of escalated Chinese military activity around Taiwan since 2022, previously triggered by events such as Nancy Pelosi’s visit and President Lai Ching-te’s inauguration.
Meanwhile, regional tensions extend beyond the Taiwan Strait. China-Japan relations have deteriorated significantly after Japanese leader Sanae Takaichi suggested potential intervention in a Taiwan conflict, leading to Chinese travel warnings and recent accusations of radar locking incidents between military aircraft.
