Escalation in the Taiwan Strait: China Launches "Justice Mission 2025" Military Drills

December 30, 2025

China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) has initiated a major two-day military exercise around Taiwan, code-named "Justice Mission 2025," featuring live-fire drills and simulations of a full blockade, in what Beijing describes as a strong deterrent against "separatist forces" and foreign interference.

Sudden Deployment: Forces Encircle the Island

The exercises began abruptly on Monday morning, with the PLA Eastern Theater Command deploying army, navy, air force, rocket force, and coast guard units to surround Taiwan from multiple directions. Key activities include sea-air patrols, joint strikes, precision attacks on maritime and land targets, and rehearsals for seizing control of critical ports and areas.

Live-fire components escalated on Tuesday, with long-range rockets fired into designated zones north and southwest of Taiwan, alongside destroyer and frigate operations testing anti-submarine and anti-air capabilities. Propaganda videos and posters released by the command depicted "shields of justice" smashing "illusions" of independence, emphasizing themes of comprehensive control and deterrence beyond the island chain.

Spokesperson Shi Yi stated the drills aim to test joint combat readiness and serve as a "stern warning" to Taiwan independence advocates and external powers, while safeguarding national sovereignty.

Trigger: Response to U.S. Arms Sale and Regional Rhetoric

The operation follows closely on the heels of Washington's approval of an $11.1 billion arms package to Taiwan—the largest ever—prompting sharp protests from Beijing. Analysts also link the timing to recent statements from Japanese leaders suggesting potential intervention in a Taiwan contingency, amid cooling Sino-Japanese ties.

This marks the sixth large-scale encirclement drill since 2022, but stands out for its expansive coverage, surprise announcement, and explicit focus on anti-access/area denial strategies to isolate Taiwan from potential allied support.

Taiwan's Defiant Response and Regional Jitters

Taipei swiftly condemned the maneuvers as "irrational provocations" undermining peace, mobilizing its forces for rapid-response rehearsals and urging restraint. Flights were disrupted, with dozens canceled and hundreds rerouted due to restricted airspace.

U.S. officials monitored developments closely, with President Donald Trump downplaying immediate concerns while highlighting his direct channel with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. European and Asian allies expressed alarm over rising tensions in this vital waterway.

Broader Stakes: A Rehearsal for Contingencies?

Experts view "Justice Mission 2025" as refining blockade tactics—potentially choking Taiwan's economy without full invasion—while signaling resolve amid evolving alliances. The drills highlight Beijing's growing confidence in multi-domain operations, incorporating advanced assets like stealth fighters, bombers, and hypersonic-capable missiles.

As forces continue operations through Tuesday, the episode underscores the fragile status quo across the strait, where routine warnings risk spiraling into miscalculation.

In a year marked by geopolitical friction, this latest show of force reminds the region that Taiwan remains the most volatile flashpoint, with global implications for trade, security, and stability hanging in the balance.

The world watches warily as "Justice Mission 2025" unfolds, hoping rhetoric and rehearsals do not cross into reality.