China’s decision to launch large-scale live-fire military drills around Taiwan has once again heightened tensions in the Taiwan Strait, drawing sharp condemnation from Taipei and renewed concern across the region. The exercises, which simulate a blockade of key ports and the targeting of maritime routes, are being viewed as one of Beijing’s most assertive military signals in recent months.
The drills, announced by the People’s Liberation Army as a warning to what it calls “Taiwan independence” forces and external interference, underscore the increasingly confrontational tone adopted by Beijing. Taiwan’s government has responded by accusing China of destabilising regional peace and undermining the status quo.
As geopolitical rivalries deepen in East Asia, the exercises highlight how military posturing, political messaging and strategic calculations are becoming tightly intertwined, with Taiwan once again at the centre of global attention.
China Launches Justice Mission 2025 Drills
The People’s Liberation Army confirmed that it had launched a major military exercise, code-named Justice Mission 2025, involving naval, air force and rocket units operating around Taiwan. The drills reportedly began on Monday morning and included coordinated manoeuvres from multiple directions.
According to the PLA’s eastern theatre command, forces were tasked with simulating a full-spectrum blockade, testing the ability to control sea lanes, strike maritime targets and deter external involvement. Chinese coast guard vessels were also deployed to conduct what Beijing described as “law enforcement inspections” around Taiwan’s outer islands.
Chinese military officials framed the exercise as a legitimate action aimed at safeguarding national sovereignty and unity, reinforcing long-standing claims over Taiwan.
Taiwan Condemns Escalation and Responds Militarily
Taiwan’s defence ministry issued a strong condemnation of the drills, accusing Beijing of deliberately escalating tensions and threatening regional stability. Officials said the scope and proximity of the exercise posed serious risks to peace and security.
In response, Taiwan dispatched what it described as “appropriate forces” to monitor the situation and conduct counter combat-readiness drills. The ministry emphasised that defending democracy and freedom should not be construed as provocation.
Taiwan’s coast guard also raised concerns about navigational safety, warning that the drills endangered civilian shipping routes and the livelihoods of local fishermen operating in surrounding waters.
Message to ‘Separatist Forces’ and External Powers
The PLA characterised the drills as a stern warning to “Taiwan independence” separatist forces and to what it called external interference. The language reflects Beijing’s growing frustration with international engagement with Taipei.
Military statements stressed that the exercises were designed to test rapid manoeuvres, joint operations and the formation of an all-dimensional posture capable of enforcing blockade and control.
Analysts note that the explicit reference to deterring international involvement marks a significant rhetorical escalation compared to previous exercises.
Military Assets and Capabilities on Display
Chinese state media said the PLA deployed a wide array of military assets, including destroyers, frigates, fighter jets, bombers, drones and long-range missiles. The drills reportedly tested coordination between sea and air forces as well as precision strike capabilities.
Simulated scenarios included attacks on submarines and other maritime targets, reinforcing the message that China is enhancing its anti-access and area-denial capabilities.
Maps released alongside propaganda videos indicated multiple exclusion zones around Taiwan, some closer to the main island than in previous drills.
Propaganda and Psychological Signalling
The announcement of Justice Mission 2025 was accompanied by stylised propaganda imagery. Posters and videos depicted symbolic attacks on what Beijing portrays as separatist elements, alongside imagery of foreign warships retreating.
Such visuals are widely interpreted as psychological messaging aimed at both domestic and international audiences. They reinforce the narrative that China is prepared to use force if its red lines are crossed.
Observers say the combination of military activity and propaganda underscores Beijing’s intent to project strength and resolve.
Context of Rising Regional Tensions
The drills come amid strained relations between China and Japan following remarks by Japan’s prime minister suggesting Tokyo could become militarily involved if Taiwan were attacked.
They also follow recent approval by the United States of significant weapons sales to Taiwan and statements by Taiwan’s president pledging to boost defence preparedness.
Each of these developments has drawn sharp reactions from Beijing, contributing to an increasingly volatile security environment.
Taiwan’s Rejection of Beijing’s Claims
China continues to claim Taiwan as a province and insists reunification is inevitable. Beijing has urged Taiwan to accept what it terms “peaceful reunification,” while simultaneously increasing military pressure.
However, the majority of Taiwan’s political leadership and population reject the prospect of rule by the Chinese Communist Party. Public opinion in Taiwan consistently favours maintaining autonomy and democratic governance.
In response to growing pressure, Taiwan has stepped up efforts to modernise its military and strengthen defensive capabilities.
Supreme Military Modernisation Goals
China’s military modernisation drive has been a key factor in shaping regional perceptions. The PLA is undergoing rapid expansion with the stated goal of achieving advanced operational readiness.
Intelligence assessments in recent years have suggested Beijing aims to be capable of launching a full-scale invasion of Taiwan by 2027, a timeline that adds urgency to regional security planning.
The Justice Mission 2025 drills are widely seen as part of this broader effort to test readiness and signal deterrence.
Analysts See Strategic Messaging
Security analysts have pointed out that the size and scope of the drills may exceed those of earlier exercises. Some designated zones reportedly extend closer to Taiwan than usual.
Experts also noted the unusual visibility of PLA aircraft on radar platforms, suggesting an intentional effort to broadcast capability rather than conceal movements.
This openness is interpreted as a deliberate signal to the United States, Japan and other regional stakeholders.
European and Global Implications
Although centred on the Taiwan Strait, the drills carry global implications. Taiwan is a critical node in global supply chains, particularly for advanced semiconductor manufacturing.
Any disruption to shipping lanes or escalation into conflict could have far-reaching economic and political consequences worldwide.
As a result, the international community is closely monitoring developments and urging restraint.
Pattern of Repeated Military Exercises
Justice Mission 2025 marks the sixth major PLA exercise targeting Taiwan since large-scale drills began in 2022. These operations have become increasingly frequent and complex.
Earlier exercises were often framed as responses to specific political events, such as high-level foreign visits to Taiwan.
The regularity of such drills has raised concerns that military pressure is becoming a permanent feature of cross-strait relations.
US-China-Taiwan Triangle
The drills also unfold against the backdrop of shifting dynamics between Washington and Beijing. While diplomatic channels remain open, strategic mistrust persists.
Taiwan remains a central point of contention, with the United States reiterating support for stability and opposing unilateral changes to the status quo.
How Washington responds to the latest drills could influence Beijing’s future calculations.
Risks to Regional Stability
Taiwanese officials have warned that repeated military exercises increase the risk of miscalculation or accidental escalation.
Busy shipping lanes, civilian air traffic and fishing operations all heighten the danger of unintended incidents during large-scale drills.
Such risks underline the fragile balance that currently prevents open conflict.
What Comes Next
The full scale and duration of Justice Mission 2025 may only become clear once the drills conclude. Observers will be watching for signs of escalation or de-escalation.
Much will also depend on responses from Taiwan’s allies and partners, particularly the United States and Japan.
As tensions continue to simmer, the drills serve as a stark reminder that the Taiwan Strait remains one of the world’s most sensitive geopolitical flashpoints.
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About the Author:
Harshit Raj
