China Conducts Live-Fire Drills Around Taiwan Amid Rising Tensions

In a show of military might, China has initiated live-fire exercises surrounding Taiwan, designed to simulate a blockade of key ports, target maritime assets, and counteract any international “interference.” This operation, labeled Justice Mission 2025, serves as a stark warning to what Beijing terms “separatist” elements in Taiwan.

Details of the Military Exercise

The People’s Liberation Army (PLA), which is the military branch of China’s ruling Communist Party, announced that naval, aerial, and missile units were deployed around Taiwan early on Monday. Additionally, Chinese coast guard ships were activated to perform “law enforcement inspections” in the vicinity of Taiwan’s outer islands.

Col. Shi Yi, a representative of the PLA’s eastern theatre command, stated that the exercise is a “strong warning” directed at forces advocating for Taiwan independence and those intervening from abroad. “This is a legitimate and necessary action to defend China’s sovereignty and unity,” he added.

Taiwan’s Response to Escalating Tensions

In reaction to China’s military activities, Taiwan’s defense ministry criticized Beijing for escalating tensions and undermining regional stability. The ministry condemned the drills and stated that it had mobilized “appropriate forces” to respond, undertaking its own counter-combat readiness exercises.

“Defending democracy and freedom should not be seen as a provocation, and the existence of the Republic of China [Taiwan’s official name] does not justify aggressive actions by others,” the ministry emphasized.

Taiwan’s coast guard further articulated concerns, noting that the exercise poses a “substantial threat” to the safety of vessels operating within Taiwanese waters and impacts the rights of local fishermen.

Beijing’s Claims and Military Modernization

China views Taiwan as a part of its territory and aspires for its unification. Efforts to modernize and expand China’s military, with aims to be prepared for potential invasion by 2027, have been noted in U.S. intelligence. Over recent years, the Chinese Communist Party and its leader, Xi Jinping, have intensified both coercive actions and rhetoric aimed at pushing Taiwan toward “peaceful reunification.” Despite these pressures, a significant majority of Taiwanese lawmakers and citizens oppose CCP dominion and are actively fortifying their military capabilities.

Regional Reactions and Geopolitical Tensions

The PLA’s maneuvers — the first since April targeting Taiwan — come in the wake of escalating tensions with Japan, particularly following statements from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding potential military involvement if China were to attack Taiwan. These drills also coincide with a recent U.S. government approval of $11 billion in arms sales to Taiwan, alongside Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te’s assertive speeches on enhancing national defenses and achieving a high state of combat readiness by 2027.

China’s eastern theatre command remarked that the military will approach Taiwan from diverse angles to assess the troops’ abilities to effectuate rapid maneuvers and to establish a comprehensive blockade and control system.

Scope and Scale of the Drills

The release of stylized propaganda videos accompanied the announcement of the drills, including maps specifying maritime and aerial zones to avoid around Taiwan. The PLA reported deploying a variety of military assets, including destroyers, frigates, fighters, bombers, drones, and long-range missiles, to enhance their “sea-air coordination” and target-neutralizing capabilities.

Analysts noted that while the complete extent of the drills will become apparent post-exercise, the designated areas were more expansive than usual, with some operations occurring closer to Taiwan’s shore. For the first time, the PLA explicitly indicated a practice aimed at deterring international involvement.

William Yang, a senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, suggested that this visibility of PLA aircraft signals a strategic enhancement of anti-access capabilities, launching a clear message of intent.

Ongoing Military Exercises and Future Implications

Justice Mission 2025 marks the sixth key military exercise by the PLA focused on Taiwan since heightened activities began in 2022, following former U.S. Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to the island. Analysts have warned about the likelihood of such large-scale exercises as part of China’s pressure campaign, particularly following provocative statements from foreign leaders.

Yang speculated that Beijing will closely monitor American reactions to these drills when planning future military operations.

Conclusion

The ongoing military drills highlight the increasing tensions in the Taiwan Strait, emphasizing China’s firm stance toward Taiwan amid rising international support for the island. The situation remains dynamic, and the region is closely watching how these actions will evolve.