China Initiates Extensive Military Drills Encircling Taiwan

The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command has commenced a major joint exercise dubbed “Justice Mission 2025,” mobilizing naval, air, rocket, and ground forces in waters and airspace surrounding Taiwan. The drills encompass critical areas in the Taiwan Strait as well as regions to the north, south, east, and southwest of the island, forming a comprehensive encirclement. Launched on the morning of December 29, the operation includes live-fire components and simulations of port blockades, with restrictions imposed on maritime and aerial traffic in designated zones.

Spokesperson Senior Colonel Shi Yi described the maneuvers as essential rehearsals for joint combat operations, emphasizing sea-air patrols, the seizure of comprehensive battlefield superiority, blockades of key ports, and multi-dimensional deterrence beyond the first island chain. He underscored that the exercises serve as a stern warning against “Taiwan independence” separatist activities and external interference, while affirming China’s resolve to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Taiwanese authorities swiftly condemned the actions as provocative military intimidation that undermines regional stability. Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense reported detecting numerous PLA vessels, aircraft, advanced drones, and missile systems in proximity to the island, with some approaching contiguous zones. The island’s coast guard documented Chinese patrol ships near its waters and released imagery highlighting the PLA’s presence. In response, Taipei has heightened alertness, deploying forces and showcasing defensive capabilities, including U.S.-supplied systems.

Analysts observe that the deployment across multiple strategic zones illustrates the PLA’s enhanced capacity for rapid, coordinated operations, signaling preparedness to counter separatism and potential foreign intervention in the Taiwan Strait.