Tue Dec 30 10:03:57 UTC 2025: Summary:
China conducted large-scale military exercises, “Justice Mission 2025,” around Taiwan, simulating a blockade of the island’s major ports and practicing strikes on critical infrastructure. The drills, triggered by increased tensions between China and Taiwan over increased diplomatic relations between Taiwan and the United States, are the largest since 2022, covering a broader area and explicitly focusing on a blockade scenario. The exercises included live-fire drills and incursions into Taiwan’s air defense identification zone, disrupting international air and maritime traffic. Taiwan condemned the drills as provocative and a threat to regional stability, while China defended them as a necessary measure to safeguard its sovereignty. The US has approved record-breaking arms sales to Taiwan.
News Article:
China Simulates Taiwan Blockade in Largest Military Drills Since 2022
Beijing – China has concluded two days of extensive military exercises around Taiwan, simulating a blockade of the island and its key ports. Dubbed “Justice Mission 2025,” the drills mark the sixth round of large-scale war games since 2022 and have heightened tensions in the region, causing flight cancelations, warnings of shipping disruptions and increasing fears that China is preparing an invasion of the island, which it claims as its own.
The exercises involved naval destroyers, fighter planes, bombers, drones, and long-range missiles, with simulations focused on seizing control of Taiwan’s airspace, striking critical infrastructure, and blockading major ports like Keelung and Kaohsiung.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense reported tracking a significant number of Chinese aircraft sorties into its air defense identification zone (ADIZ), marking a substantial incursion since 2022.
Experts describe the drills as explicitly focusing on a blockade scenario, sending a strong message to Taipei, the U.S., and Japan. It is clear that China is demonstrating the capabilities to cut Taiwan off from international aid and support.
Taiwan’s government has condemned the exercises as provocative, undermining regional peace and stability. China’s Foreign Ministry defended the drills as a necessary measure to safeguard its sovereignty and deter what it calls “separatist forces” seeking Taiwan’s independence.
The timing of the exercises follows Washington’s approval of a record-breaking $11.1 billion arms sale to Taiwan, further escalating tensions. While the United States doesn’t officially recognize Taiwan as an independent nation, it has pledged to help it defend itself, though US President Trump has downplayed the significance of the situation and has avoided making strong public statements.
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