> At a Glance
> – China staged a “Justice Mission 2025” war game around Taiwan, simulating a blockade.
> – The drills followed a $11.1 billion U.S. arms package for Taiwan.
> – President Lai Ching-te called the exercises “groundless and provocative.”
> – Why it matters: The moves heighten tensions in the Taiwan Strait and signal a warning to the U.S.
On Tuesday, China conducted its biggest military exercise around Taiwan in eight months, firing rockets, massing assault ships and flying bombers in a simulated blockade. The drills, part of “Justice Mission 2025,” were widely seen as a response to a $11.1 billion U.S. arms package for the island.
China’s Blockade-Simulating War Games
Chinese forces encircled Taiwan with a mix of rockets, assault ships, bombers and the newly deployed Type 075 amphibious assault ship. The exercises also included long-range live-fire drills north of Taiwan, striking maritime targets and conducting anti-air and anti-submarine operations.
- Rockets fired over the Taiwan Strait
- Assault ships massed around the island
- Bombers circled Taiwan’s airspace
- Type 075 amphibious assault ship deployed for the first time
- Maritime exclusion zones established, five overlapping Taiwan’s 12-nautical-mile waters
China has not ruled out using force to seize Taiwan, an island of 23 million people.
Political Reactions and Underlying Motives
President Donald Trump said the exercises did not worry him, noting China has been conducting naval drills in the area for 20 years. Meanwhile, President Lai Ching-te condemned the moves as “groundless and provocative” and warned of regional instability.
President 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.”
Ava Shen, China associate at Eurasia Group:
> “Because of this unprecedented amount, I think China felt that it needs to respond.”
Senior Capt. Li Xi, PLA Eastern Theater Command spokesperson:
> “achieved desired effects.”
Chinese FM Wang Yi said:
> “resolutely oppose and forcefully counter” actions such as the U.S. arms package.
Ava Shen again:
> “I think a Chinese invasion of Taiwan still remains very unlikely. The primary objective of this exercise is for China to warn the U.S. about its further support of Taiwan.”
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Aircraft | 130 |
| Naval / Coast Guard vessels | 22 |
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense reported detecting 130 Chinese aircraft and 22 naval and coast guard vessels in the 24 hours leading up to 6 a.m.
Key Takeaways
- China’s “Justice Mission 2025” simulated a blockade around Taiwan, marking the largest exercise in eight months.
- The drills were likely a response to a $11.1 billion U.S. arms package for Taiwan.
- Chinese officials stressed the exercise aimed to warn the U.S. rather than indicate imminent invasion.
While the exercise shows China’s growing military reach, analysts say it remains an intense show of force rather than a step toward immediate conflict.
