China’s armed forces will carry out “Justice Mission 2025” live-fire military drills in areas surrounding Taiwan on December 30

China’s military has announced large-scale joint drills around Taiwan, describing the exercise as a strong warning against separatist forces and foreign interference.

On Monday (December 29, 2025), the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) said it was deploying air, naval and rocket forces to carry out coordinated military operations around Taiwan under the codename “Justice Mission 2025.” The PLA stated that the drills aim to enhance combat readiness and demonstrate China’s determination to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

According to Senior Colonel Shi Yi, spokesperson for the PLA’s Eastern Theatre Command, the exercises will take place in the Taiwan Strait and in areas north, southwest, southeast and east of the island. He said the drills will focus on sea-air combat patrols, joint operations to seize overall superiority, blockades of key ports, and strategic deterrence beyond the island chain.

Calling the operation “legitimate and necessary,” the Eastern Theatre Command said the exercises serve as a stern warning to “Taiwan independence” elements and external forces attempting to interfere in China’s internal affairs. The statement was released through the PLA’s official WeChat account.

The announcement follows strong criticism from Beijing over recent remarks by Japan’s Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, who suggested that Japan’s military could become involved if China were to take action against Taiwan. While the Chinese military did not directly reference Japan in its statement, the timing of the drills underscores rising regional tensions.

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China Launches ‘Justice Mission 2025’ Military Drills Near Taiwan

Taiwan, located off China’s southeastern coast, has governed itself since 1949 after separating from the mainland during the Chinese Civil War. Beijing, however, continues to claim the island as part of its territory and has repeatedly warned against any move toward formal independence.

The military escalation also comes amid heightened friction between China and the United States. Last week, Beijing imposed sanctions on 20 U.S. defence-related companies and 10 executives, following Washington’s announcement of proposed arms sales to Taiwan worth over USD 10 billion. If approved by the U.S. Congress, the package would mark the largest-ever American weapons deal with the self-governed island.

Analysts say the “Justice Mission 2025” drills reflect China’s growing willingness to use military pressure as geopolitical competition intensifies in the Indo-Pacific region. The exercises are likely to draw close scrutiny from regional players, including the United States, Japan and other allies, amid concerns about stability and security in the Taiwan Strait.

China’s announcement of the “Justice Mission 2025” military drills around Taiwan has added a new layer of tension to an already volatile regional security environment, with implications that extend well beyond the Taiwan Strait.

According to the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), the joint exercises will involve coordinated deployments of fighter aircraft, warships and missile units, signalling a high level of operational integration among China’s air, naval and rocket forces. Military experts note that such multi-domain drills are designed not only to test combat readiness but also to send a political and strategic message to both Taiwan and its international supporters.

Strategic objectives of the drills

PLA officials said the exercises will simulate blockades of critical ports and sea lanes, a scenario that analysts interpret as practice for cutting off Taiwan’s external supplies in the event of a conflict. The drills will also rehearse joint dominance operations, which typically involve neutralising enemy air and naval assets to gain full control over surrounding waters and airspace.

Observers say these manoeuvres align with China’s long-term military doctrine, which emphasises anti-access and area-denial (A2/AD) capabilities aimed at deterring foreign intervention, particularly from the United States and its allies.

Regional and international reactions

Taiwan’s defence ministry has responded by saying it is closely monitoring Chinese movements and has activated appropriate alert and response mechanisms to safeguard national security. Taiwanese officials have repeatedly stressed that they will not escalate tensions but will remain vigilant against any threat to the island’s sovereignty.

In Washington, U.S. officials have reaffirmed their commitment to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, urging all sides to avoid unilateral actions that could alter the status quo. Japan and other Indo-Pacific partners are also watching developments carefully, given the strategic importance of regional shipping routes and supply chains.

Link to broader geopolitical tensions

The timing of the drills coincides with growing friction between China and Western nations over trade, technology and security. Beijing’s recent sanctions on U.S. defence firms underscore its opposition to continued arms sales to Taiwan, which China views as a violation of its sovereignty. At the same time, China has accused external powers of “militarising” the Taiwan issue to contain its rise.

Domestic messaging and political signalling

Within China, state media have portrayed the exercises as a demonstration of national strength and unity, reinforcing the government’s stance that reunification with Taiwan remains a core national objective. Analysts say such drills also serve a domestic purpose by showcasing military modernisation and reassuring the public of the PLA’s preparedness.

Outlook

Security experts warn that while large-scale exercises are not uncommon, the frequency and scale of recent Chinese drills increase the risk of miscalculation. With multiple military forces operating in close proximity, even minor incidents could escalate quickly.

As “Justice Mission 2025” unfolds, the drills are expected to shape diplomatic exchanges and defence planning across the Indo-Pacific. For now, they stand as a stark reminder that the Taiwan issue remains one of the most sensitive and potentially dangerous flashpoints in global geopolitics.

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