China Launches Largest Military Drills Around Taiwan in Eight Months
China has launched Justice Mission 2025, its largest encirclement drill around Taiwan in eight months, involving long-range live-fire and multi-domain operations across seven maritime zones. According to the PLA, around 130 aircraft, 14 naval vessels, and eight official ships were operating around Taiwan as of 6 a.m. local time, with about 90 sorties crossing the median line into multiple air defense zones.
Rockets fired during the drills landed inside Taiwan's 24-nautical-mile territorial line, including long-range live-fire exercises to the north of Taiwan. The exercises featured destroyers, frigates, fighter jets, bombers, drones, and simulated maritime strikes, as well as anti-air and anti-submarine operations. A PLA drone captured footage of Taipei 101 in what Taiwan described as psychological warfare.
In response, Taiwan's President William Lai condemned Beijing's escalation, with the country placing itself on high alert and preparing rapid-response exercises. Taiwan highlighted its capabilities, including U.S.-made HIMARS, while the coast guard deployed large patrol ships to bolster defenses. The drills follow a record U.S. arms sale to Taipei, which has contributed to heightened regional tensions.
The PLA Eastern Theater Command stated that the drills achieved their intended results.
