China's PLA conducts large-scale military drills around Taiwan

China"s PLA conducts large-scale military drills around Taiwan

By Jessica Martinez-Thompson

On December 29, 2025, China"s People"s Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command initiated extensive military exercises named "Justice Mission-2025" in the waters surrounding Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China (RoC). This operation involves multiple branches of the military, including the army, navy, air force, and rocket force units, and is characterized by live-fire drills and strategic simulations aimed at blockading critical ports.

Key Details

The "Justice Mission-2025" drills are part of China"s ongoing military strategy to assert its claims over Taiwan, which it views as a breakaway province. The exercises are described as a "stern warning" directed at both "Taiwan independence" advocates and foreign entities perceived as interfering in the Taiwan Strait. The drills are significant not only for their scale but also for their timing, occurring amidst heightened tensions in the region.

In response to these military maneuvers, Taiwan"s government has condemned the exercises, labeling them as provocative. The Taiwanese military has placed its forces on high alert, signaling its readiness to respond to any potential threats arising from the drills. This escalation in military activity reflects the ongoing geopolitical tensions between China and Taiwan, particularly surrounding Taiwan"s sovereignty and the island"s relationships with other nations.

The PLA"s Eastern Theater Command, responsible for operations in the region, has not disclosed the exact number of troops or equipment involved in the "Justice Mission-2025" exercises. However, the inclusion of live-fire drills indicates a serious commitment to demonstrating military capability and readiness. The drills are expected to cover various scenarios, including potential blockades that could impact maritime traffic in and around Taiwan.

Background

China"s military activities around Taiwan have intensified over the past few years, with frequent incursions into Taiwan"s air defense identification zone (ADIZ) and naval exercises in the Taiwan Strait. These actions are often viewed as a show of force by Beijing, aimed at deterring Taiwan from pursuing formal independence. Earlier this year, China expanded its warning zones around Taiwan to include additional areas, further heightening tensions in the region. For more on this, see our previous reports on the subject.

Additionally, China"s Coast Guard has been active in conducting law-enforcement patrols near Taiwan, which has added another layer of complexity to the already tense situation. These patrols are often perceived as attempts to assert China"s claims over the waters surrounding the island. For further details, refer to our related coverage.

What"s Next

The implications of the "Justice Mission-2025" drills are significant, as they highlight the ongoing military posturing between China and Taiwan. The Taiwanese government is likely to continue its defensive preparations in response to these exercises, while international observers will be watching closely for any signs of escalation. The situation remains fluid, and the potential for conflict in the Taiwan Strait continues to be a critical concern for regional stability and international relations.

As tensions persist, the international community is urged to monitor developments closely, as any miscalculation could lead to a broader conflict involving multiple stakeholders in the region.