China Conducts Second Day of Military Drills with Rocket Firings Near Taiwan
China fired rockets into waters north and south of Taiwan during the second day of large-scale military drills around the island, described as rehearsing a blockade. The exercises, named Justice Mission 2025, involved air, sea, and rocket units conducting 10 hours of live-fire across five locations around Taiwan. The Eastern Theatre Command released video showing a mobile PCH-191 rocket launcher firing into the sea.
Beijing has framed the drills as a stern warning against separatism and external interference. Taiwan's defense ministry reported that approximately 130 Chinese aircraft and 22 navy and coastguard vessels operated around Taiwan in the 24 hours leading to 6am local time. A senior Taiwan intelligence official suggested that China is practicing strikes on land-based targets such as US-made HIMARS, with potential capabilities to hit coastal targets in southern China.
These drills came in the wake of the United States announcing a record arms package to Taiwan worth $11.1 billion roughly 11 days earlier. The Civil Aviation Authority reported disruptions affecting 11 of Taipei's 14 flight routes; routes to Kinmen and Matsu were blocked, impacting about 6,000 passengers. Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te emphasized that frontline troops are prepared to defend the island but are not seeking to escalate the situation. These exercises are described as the largest by area and the closest yet to Taiwan.
