China has launched large-scale military drills around Taiwan, simulating the seizure and blockade of key areas of the island in what Beijing says is a warning to “separatist forces”.
The exercises, codenamed Justice Mission 2025, involve China’s army, navy, air force and rocket force, and include live-fire components, according to the Chinese military. State media released footage on Monday showing warships deploying in the Taiwan Strait.
The drills come days after the United States announced one of its largest-ever arms sales to Taiwan, valued at $11bn (£8.2bn), a move that prompted strong protests from Beijing and sanctions against US defence firms.
Taiwan’s presidential office condemned the drills, describing them as a challenge to international norms. The island’s defence ministry said it had detected 89 Chinese military aircraft and 28 warships and coastguard vessels operating near Taiwan on Monday.
It added that Taiwan had deployed missile systems and forces to monitor the situation, placing its military on “high alert” to defend the island and protect its population.
In a statement posted on Weibo, China’s Eastern Theater Command — which oversees operations in the Taiwan Strait — described the exercise as a “shield of justice”, warning that “all those plotting independence will be annihilated”.
While some initial manoeuvres have already begun, Chinese authorities said a major phase of the drills would take place on Tuesday between 08:00 and 18:00 local time.
China’s foreign ministry called the exercises a “severe punishment” for forces seeking Taiwanese independence and warned external powers against “using Taiwan to contain China”.
Beijing claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has vowed to achieve reunification, by force if necessary. Taiwan, a self-governed democracy, rejects China’s claims.
Beijing has accused Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te of promoting independence. Lai insists Taiwan is already sovereign and does not need to formally declare independence. In an interview on Sunday, he said Taiwan must continue strengthening its defences to deter invasion, while maintaining the status quo.
Opinion polls consistently show that most people in Taiwan favour neither unification with China nor a formal declaration of independence.
Chinese state media also published a map outlining the locations of Tuesday’s drills encircling the island. Taiwan’s transport ministry said flight routes would be diverted away from affected areas, disrupting travel for more than 100,000 passengers.
China has significantly increased military activity around Taiwan since 2022, often responding to developments it sees as provocative, including high-profile US visits and Taiwanese political events.
The current drills are the first conducted under Yang Zhibin, the new commander of China’s Eastern Theater Command, who took up the role in October.
Taiwan, meanwhile, continues to hold its own military exercises, including its largest-ever Han Kuang drills this year, as President Lai pushes to increase defence spending and strengthen the island’s military capabilities amid rising regional tensions.
