At a Glance
- China launched “Justice Mission 2025” war games around Taiwan, simulating a blockade.
- The drills featured rockets, assault ships, bombers, and the first deployment of a Type 075 amphibious assault ship.
- The exercise followed the U.S. $11.1 billion arms package for Taiwan and a tense U.S.-China trade standoff.
- Why it matters: It shows China’s intent to pressure Taiwan and deter U.S. support, reshaping regional security.
On Tuesday, China staged a large-scale military exercise around Taiwan that mimicked a blockade, part of Justice Mission 2025. The drills drew the attention of Washington, Taipei, and the broader Indo-Pacific region.
Scale and Scope of the War Games
China’s two-day exercise encircled Taiwan, the largest naval drill in eight months. The PLA deployed rockets, a fleet of assault ships, and bomber aircraft, marking a first for a Type 075 amphibious assault ship.
Senior Capt. Li Xi, spokesperson for the Eastern Theater Command, said the long-range live-fire drills north of Taiwan achieved desired effects. The drills tested sea-air coordination and integrated blockade and control, covering both maritime and air targets.
The command also announced maritime exclusion zones, five of which overlap Taiwan’s 12-nautical-mile territorial waters. This was the first time since 2022 that China set such zones during live-fire exercises.
The exercise included anti-air and anti-submarine operations to the north and south of the island, demonstrating a comprehensive threat envelope.
Domestic and International Reactions
Donald Trump told reporters that “They’ve been doing naval exercises for 20 years in that area.” He said the drills did not worry him.
Lai Ching-te posted on Facebook: China has disregarded the international community’s expectations for peace, insisting instead on undermining regional stability through military intimidation.
Wang Yi said Beijing must resolutely oppose and forcefully counter actions such as the U.S. arms package. The Chinese Ministry of Defense framed the drills as a stern warning against “Taiwan independence” forces and external interference.
Ava Shen, a China associate at Eurasia Group, told News Of Philadelphia: Because of this unprecedented amount, I think China felt that it needs to respond. She linked the exercise to the $11.1 billion U.S. arms package for Taiwan.
China has not ruled out the use of force to seize Taiwan, an island of 23 million people.
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense reported detecting 130 Chinese aircraft and 22 naval and coast guard vessels in the 24 hours to 6 a.m. This marked the first major exercise around Taiwan since Strait Thunder in April.
| Date | Event | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 2023 | U.S.-China trade talks | Extension of lower reciprocal tariffs |
| Mar 2024 | U.S. arms package | $11.1 billion, largest ever |
| Apr 2024 | China’s war games | Justice Mission 2025 encirclement of Taiwan |
The drills are part of China’s broader strategy to deter U.S. military involvement in a potential Taiwan invasion. Analysts say a full-on attack remains unlikely.
Key Takeaways
- China’s Justice Mission 2025 showcased the largest naval drill around Taiwan in eight months.
- The exercise was a response to the U.S. $11.1 billion arms package for Taiwan.
- Taiwan’s forces remain on high alert, and China has set maritime exclusion zones overlapping its territorial waters.
The exercise signals China’s willingness to pressure Taiwan and challenge U.S. support, setting a tense tone for the region.
