China launches Justice Mission 2025 military drills around Taiwan following record US arms sale, escalating regional tensions and testing PLA modernization.
New Delhi, December 30, 2025, 12:15 PM IST: China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) launched large-scale military exercises, codenamed Justice Mission 2025, around Taiwan on December 29, 2025. The maneuvers involved coordinated deployments of army, navy, air force, and rocket force units across the Taiwan Strait and surrounding waters.
This marks the sixth major round of drills since 2022, featuring live-fire operations in seven designated zones. The exercises simulated blockades of key ports and strikes on both maritime and land targets. Senior Colonel Shi Yi of the PLA’s Eastern Theater Command described the drills as a “stern warning” to “Taiwan independence separatist forces and external interference,” highlighting sea-air combat patrols, joint superiority seizure, and all-dimensional deterrence.
In pics: The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command conducted large-scale joint military drills around Taiwan Island on Monday under the codename "Justice Mission 2025." pic.twitter.com/3624r5F4Xb
— People's Daily, China (@PDChina) December 30, 2025
Trigger: Record US Arms Package
The drills came just 11 days after Washington approved an unprecedented $11.1 billion arms sale to Taiwan on December 18, 2025. The package includes HIMARS rocket systems, anti-tank missiles, loitering drones, and howitzers making it the largest arms deal ever for the island.
The sale supports Taiwan’s shift toward asymmetric warfare and reflects US efforts to strengthen Taipei’s defensive posture against regional threats. Beijing condemned the move as a violation of its sovereignty. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian warned that arming Taiwan would push the strait into a “perilous situation.”
Taiwan’s Countermeasures and Civilian Impact
Taiwan’s Defense Ministry denounced the drills as “military intimidation” by an “aggressor.” In response, Taipei deployed rapid-response forces and released footage of US-supplied HIMARS systems positioned to target China’s Fujian province.
The exercises also disrupted civilian aviation. On December 30, more than 100,000 international passengers and 6,000 domestic travelers were affected by cancellations and diversions due to 10-hour airspace closures.
Despite the heightened tensions, Taiwan’s Taiex index rose 0.9% to a record high of 28,810, buoyed by strong demand for semiconductors and technology exports.
In response to today’s #PLA aircraft and naval activity, the #ROCArmedForces conducted Rapid Response Exercises and closely monitored the situation. Joint sea and air operations with all services and the Taiwan Coast Guard remain on high alert. #FullAwareness pic.twitter.com/urRlOh4cUL
— 國防部 Ministry of National Defense, ROC(Taiwan) 🇹🇼 (@MoNDefense) December 29, 2025
Broader Regional Fallout
China retaliated against the US arms deal by imposing sanctions on 20 American defense firms and 10 executives, freezing assets and banning business activities. Analysts note the measures are largely symbolic.
Tensions have also spilled into Japan. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated in November that a Chinese assault on Taiwan could justify Tokyo’s military involvement under collective self-defense laws. Beijing responded by curbing tourism and suspending seafood imports from Japan.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump downplayed the drills, saying he was “unconcerned” as China routinely conducts such operations.
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Analyst Perspectives
Experts view the expanded scope of Justice Mission 2025 as a clear demonstration of PLA modernization. The exercises showcased the ability to conduct swift, multi-domain deployments across a wider area than previous drills.
William Yang of the International Crisis Group described the maneuvers as a “tangible demonstration of the PLA’s modernization progress.” Analysts emphasize that the operations tested blockade strategies and joint combat readiness, underscoring Beijing’s determination amid intensifying geopolitical frictions.
Despite the military escalation, financial markets largely shrugged off immediate risks, signaling investor confidence in Taiwan’s resilient tech-driven economy.
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