China has launched a new round of large-scale military exercises around Taiwan, describing the drills as a warning to what it calls “separatist forces” on the self-governed island. The manoeuvres, which involve multiple branches of China’s armed forces, have heightened tensions across the Taiwan Strait.
According to the Chinese military, the exercises include coordinated operations by the army, navy, air force and rocket force, as well as live-fire components. The drills are designed to simulate the seizure and blockade of strategic areas around Taiwan and have been given the codename “Justice Mission 2025”.
The announcement comes just days after the United States confirmed one of its largest-ever arms sales to Taiwan, valued at around $11 billion. Beijing strongly criticised the move, saying it undermines regional stability, and has announced sanctions against several US defence companies in response.
Taiwan has also stepped up its own defence preparations this year, a move that has further angered Beijing. China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has repeatedly opposed any actions it views as strengthening the island’s separate status.
Taiwan’s presidential office criticised the Chinese drills, saying they challenge international norms and increase risks in the region. The defence ministry said it detected Chinese warships and military aircraft operating near Taiwan on Monday morning and responded by deploying its own forces to monitor developments.
In a statement, Taiwan’s defence ministry said its armed forces are on high alert and remain ready to defend the island and protect its population. Missile systems and surveillance assets have been activated to closely track Chinese movements.
China’s Eastern Theater Command, which oversees military operations in the Taiwan Strait, described the drills as a show of strength intended to deter independence efforts. In a post on Chinese social media platform Weibo, the command said the exercises represented a “shield of justice” and warned that those pursuing independence would face consequences.
While some preparatory activities have already begun, the Chinese military said a major phase of the drills is scheduled to run from 8:00am to 6:00pm local time on Tuesday.
China has long said it prefers “peaceful reunification” with Taiwan, but it also has legislation that allows for the use of force if it believes the island is moving toward formal separation. Beijing has accused Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te of promoting independence, an allegation his administration rejects.
Lai has repeatedly stated that Taiwan is already a sovereign entity and does not need to formally declare independence. In a recent television interview, he said Taiwan must continue strengthening its defences to raise the cost of any potential military action against it.
At the same time, Lai said his government is committed to maintaining the current situation and avoiding unnecessary provocation, adding that peace depends on credible deterrence and preparedness.
Public opinion surveys consistently show that most people in Taiwan favour preserving the status quo, meaning neither unification with China nor a formal declaration of independence.
China has significantly increased the frequency and scale of its military activities around Taiwan since 2022. Many of these drills have followed events Beijing views as hostile, including high-profile visits by foreign officials to Taiwan and political developments on the island.
In April, China carried out live-fire exercises in the Taiwan Strait that simulated strikes on ports and energy infrastructure, according to the People’s Liberation Army. During that period, Chinese state media also released material criticising Taiwan’s leadership.
This week’s drills are the first to take place under Yang Zhibin, who became commander of the Eastern Theater Command in October. Analysts are watching closely to see whether his leadership brings changes to China’s military posture around Taiwan.
Taiwan, for its part, regularly conducts its own military exercises to prepare for potential conflict and demonstrate its defensive capabilities. Earlier this year, the island held its longest-ever Han Kuang military exercise, lasting 10 days.
Since taking office, President Lai has pledged to increase defence spending and improve Taiwan’s military readiness. In October, he announced plans to develop a dome-style air defence system to counter potential external threats, without naming any specific country.
As military activity intensifies in the region, neighbouring countries and international observers continue to call for restraint, warning that miscalculation could have serious consequences for regional stability.