China Conducts Live-Fire Military Drills Around Taiwan, Sending Warning Signals

China has initiated live-fire military exercises encircling Taiwan, simulating a blockade of key ports, targeting maritime threats, and countering international “interference”. This maneuver is presented as a message to Taiwan’s “separatist” factions amid rising tensions in the region.

Details of the Military Exercises

The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) conducted these drills on Monday under the banner “Justice Mission 2025.” The rapid deployment of naval, air, rocket, and coastguard units came as a surprise, launching shortly after its announcement.

According to the PLA’s eastern theater command, a variety of military assets were mobilized, including destroyers, frigates, aircraft, drones, and long-range missiles, all operating in close proximity to Taiwan. The exercises aimed to evaluate “sea-air coordination and precise targeting capabilities,” with specific scenarios including offensive actions against submarines and other naval targets.

Significant Military Movements

By midday Monday, Taiwan’s defense ministry reported the identification of 28 naval and coastguard vessels, two of which entered Taiwan’s contiguous zone. Furthermore, a total of 89 warplanes were monitored, marking the highest daily figure of the past year. A fleet of four amphibious assault ships, which can accommodate numerous rotary aircraft, was also observed about 160 nautical miles off Taiwan’s southern coast.

PLA spokesperson Col. Shi Yi characterized these drills as a “stern warning” against Taiwan’s independence movements and external interference. Lin Jian, a foreign ministry spokesperson, suggested that unnamed “external parties” are escalating tensions towards conflict.

Regional Reactions and Implications

The PLA underscored that nations seeking to contain China via Taiwan should relinquish their ambitions. The recent military exercises are seen as a direct response to a new $11 billion arms deal approved by the U.S. for Taiwan.

Additionally, the PLA’s operations have been linked to perceived provocations, including Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te’s pledges to enhance Taiwan’s defenses and readiness for potential combat by 2027. Analysts highlighted Beijing’s irritation over remarks from Japan’s Prime Minister, indicating potential military support for Taiwan in an armed conflict.

Justifications for Military Drills

Fu Zhengnan, of the PLA’s Academy of Military Science, deemed these exercises necessary in light of recent arms transactions between Taiwan and the United States, further asserting the legitimacy of the PLA’s actions as a response to escalating threats.

Chinese state media has criticized U.S. support within the “first island chain”—a strategic group of islands in the western Pacific that includes Taiwan—while propagandistic visuals illustrated military might aimed at Taiwan’s separatist forces.

Taiwan’s Response

In turn, Taiwan accused Beijing of heightening hostility and distorting regional stability. The Taiwanese defense ministry reaffirmed its commitment to maintain its sovereignty, stating that defending democracy and freedom is far from antagonistic.

Beijing asserts that Taiwan is part of China and aspires to annex it militarily, a goal projected for capability by 2027 according to U.S. intelligence. The Chinese Communist Party, led by Xi Jinping, advocates for “peaceful reunification,” although this proposition is met with considerable rejection from Taiwanese leadership and populace.

Broader Context and Future Actions

The “Justice Mission 2025” exercises extend beyond previous drills in scope, impacting over 100,000 passengers across more than 850 international and domestic flights on the following Tuesday. This marks the sixth significant military exercise targeting Taiwan since 2022 and the PLA’s intention to deter international involvement in Taiwan-related affairs has become increasingly apparent.

As analysts predict further military movements, discussions around the PLA’s operational strategies in light of U.S. responses to these drills continue to evolve, highlighting the precarious balance in regional military dynamics.