China’s Recent Military Exercises Around Taiwan: A Deep Dive

In a show of military strength, China conducted a two-day exercise, dubbed Justice Mission 2025, around Taiwan, marking the sixth round of significant drills since 2022, when Nancy Pelosi, the then-Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, visited the island. These war games featured extensive live-fire exercises and naval maneuvers, highlighting China’s growing assertiveness in the region.

What Unfolded During Justice Mission 2025?

The military drills commenced on Monday, covering multiple zones north, southwest, southeast, and east of Taiwan’s main island, according to Shi Yi, a spokesperson for China’s Eastern Theatre Command. Various military assets—including naval destroyers, frigates, fighter jets, bombers, drones, and long-range missiles—were deployed to simulate scenarios involving the capture of Taiwan’s airspace, port blockades, and strikes against vital infrastructure.

The exercises featured live-fire drills that ran for ten hours on Tuesday, with five designated zones around Taiwan utilized from 8 AM to 6 PM local time. Chinese forces reportedly fired long-range rockets into the surrounding waters, as shown in military footage shared on social media.

During this period, Taiwan’s coastguard reported seven rockets were launched into two of these drill zones, while Taiwan’s Ministry of Defence tracked 130 air sorties by Chinese aircraft, along with multiple naval vessels and official ships. Notably, 90 of those sorties entered Taiwan’s Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), marking one of the largest incursions since 2022.

Changes in Strategy: A Closer Look

Justice Mission 2025 is being recognized as the most extensive drill since 2022 in terms of the areas covered. Jaime Ocon, a research fellow at Taiwan Security Monitor, pointed out that the significant size of the zones, especially those breaching 12 nautical miles from Taiwan’s coastline, indicates a notable escalation compared to previous drills.

This time, the focus was specifically on blockading Taiwan, sending a potent message to Taipei and its allies, particularly the US and Japan. Ocon remarked, “This serves as a clear demonstration of China’s capability to conduct anti-access/area denial measures, effectively isolating Taiwan from the world and preventing intervention from other nations.”

Potential Impacts of a Blockade

A blockade would not only obstruct arms deliveries but also disrupt critical imports, such as natural gas and coal, essential for Taiwan’s energy needs. This could also affect global shipping routes traversing the Taiwan Strait.

According to Alexander Huang, director-general of Taiwan’s Council on Strategic and Wargaming Studies, the latest drills closely resembled those conducted in August 2022 following Pelosi’s visit. However, this drill had more significant implications, as it interfered with both international civil aviation and maritime routes—something previous exercises attempted to avoid.

Motives Behind the Exercises

Historical patterns show that China frequently initiates military exercises to express discontent towards Taiwan and its international allies. Following Pelosi’s visit, large-scale drills have become more commonplace, reflecting Beijing’s firm stance on Taiwan, which it considers a province. China has accused the US of meddling in its internal matters, particularly through arms sales to Taipei.

These recent drills coincided with the US approving a substantial arms package to Taiwan. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the exercises served as a “punitive action against separatist forces” advocating for Taiwan independence, aiming to reinforce China’s national sovereignty.

Context of Regional Tensions

The military activities also align with rising tensions between China and Japan, particularly following comments from Japanese officials about Taiwan’s geopolitical significance and security implications for Japan. This aspect further complicates the delicate balance of power in the region.

Taiwan’s Response to the Drills

In light of these military exercises, Taiwan took precautionary measures, canceling over 80 domestic flights and warning of possible delays for more than 300 international flights due to rerouted air traffic. The Defence Ministry in Taipei has been actively monitoring incursions into its ADIZ and closely observing naval movements in proximity to its outlying islands.

Defence Minister Wellington Koo criticized Beijing’s actions as provocations that threaten regional stability. He stated, “These maneuvers are not just a military show; they aim to undermine Taiwan’s capability and create internal divisions within society.”

US Response to the Situation

While the U.S. government has generally remained quiet in response to these military exercises, some analysts suggest this might be a strategic choice aimed at preserving diplomatic relations with China amidst ongoing trade discussions. U.S. President Trump expressed no immediate concern, claiming to have a strong relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping, indicating a preference for diplomacy over confrontation.

Experts believe this muted response aligns with efforts to maintain a temporary truce in U.S.-China relations, although it underscores the complexity of addressing Taiwan’s security situation.

Conclusion

The recent military drills around Taiwan highlight an escalating situation in the Taiwan Strait, emphasizing China’s increased assertiveness. With broader regional implications affecting international relations, the balance of power continues to shift as both Taiwan and the U.S. monitor developments closely.

Key Takeaways

• China’s Justice Mission 2025 involved significant military exercises around Taiwan, marking a key escalation.
• The drills simulated an extensive blockade, posing risks to Taiwan’s energy and maritime logistics.
• Taiwan responded with cancellations and heightened monitoring of military movements.
• The U.S. response remains relatively restrained, focusing on diplomatic channels amidst growing tensions.