China has begun significant military drills around Taiwan, mobilizing its army, navy, air force, and artillery units as part of the “Justice Mission 2025” exercises. These operations, which started on Monday, involve live-fire exercises and are intended to reinforce China’s military presence in the region. The Eastern Theatre Command announced that these drills will include sea and air-space restrictions in five designated zones surrounding the island for a duration of ten hours.
This latest round of military exercises marks the sixth major operation conducted by China since 2022, following the controversial visit of former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan. Increasing tensions have been fueled by rising Chinese rhetoric, particularly after suggestions that a potential attack on Taiwan could provoke a military response from Tokyo.
The drills commenced shortly after the United States announced an arms sales package to Taiwan valued at $11.1 billion, the largest of its kind for the island. In response, China’s defense ministry issued a stern warning, indicating that it would take “forceful measures” against what it views as foreign interference.
Military Movements and Preparedness
China’s military has deployed a range of assets, including fighter jets, bombers, unmanned aerial vehicles, and long-range rockets. It plans to practice targeting mobile land-based objectives while simulating an assault on Taiwan from multiple angles. According to Shi Yi, a spokesperson for the Eastern Theatre Command, the drills aim to send a serious warning to both “Taiwan Independence” supporters and external forces.
Taiwan’s government has condemned these military actions, urging China not to miscalculate the situation, which could jeopardize regional stability. A spokesperson from Taiwan’s presidential office called for an immediate cessation of what they described as “irresponsible provocations.” The island’s defense ministry reported that, in the past 24 hours, two Chinese military aircraft and eleven ships were observed operating in the vicinity of Taiwan.
Taiwan’s military remains on high alert and is conducting “rapid response exercises” designed to prepare for an unexpected escalation. The ministry emphasized that all armed forces would maintain vigilance and readiness to defend the island’s democratic values.
Public Response and Propaganda Campaigns
Despite the military threats, Taiwan’s stock markets showed resilience, rising by 0.3 percent to reach a record high during morning trading. Meanwhile, China’s military released propaganda posters as part of its campaign to underscore the drills. One poster, titled “Shields of Justice: Smashing Illusions,” depicted military insignia alongside military aircraft and ships, reinforcing China’s stance against perceived threats.
The drills are reported to focus on blockading Taiwan’s crucial ports, particularly the deep-water Port of Keelung in the north and Kaohsiung in the south, which is Taiwan’s largest port city. The messaging from China highlights its aggressive posture, stating, “Any foreign interference that touches the shield shall perish!”
This current display of military might is part of a broader strategy by Beijing to assert its claim over Taiwan, which it views as a breakaway province. Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has firmly rejected China’s claims of sovereignty, maintaining that the future of the island rests solely in the hands of its people.
As tensions escalate, the international community watches closely, with potential implications for regional security and global diplomatic relations.
