Why in News?

  • In December 2025, China launched large-scale military drills named “Justice Mission 2025” around Taiwan.
  • The exercises include live-fire drills and come amid rising tensions involving Taiwan, the United States, and regional powers like Japan.

WHAT ARE JUSTICE MISSION DRILLS?

  • The drills are conducted by China’s PLA Eastern Theatre Command.
  • They involve army, navy, air force, missile forces, and artillery units.
  • China declared five zones around Taiwan where air and sea space restrictions apply for about 10 hours.
  • Live-fire exercises were announced as part of the operation.

MILITARY ACTIVITIES INVOLVED

  • Deployment of fighter jets, bombers, drones, warships, and long-range rockets.
  • Simulation of coordinated attacks from multiple directions.
  • Practice of striking mobile land-based targets.
  • Exercises to blockade key Taiwanese ports, especially:
    • Port of Keelung in the north
    • Port of Kaohsiung in the south.

STRATEGIC MESSAGING BY CHINA

  • China described the drills as a “serious warning” to:
    • Pro-independence forces in Taiwan
    • External powers supporting Taiwan
  • Chinese military posters carried slogans such as “Smashing separatist forces” and “Deterrence against foreign interference”.
  • For the first time, China openly stated that the drills aim to deter outside military intervention.

BACKGROUND TO THE ESCALATION

  • This is China’s sixth major military exercise around Taiwan since 2022, following the visit of a senior US leader that year.
  • The drills began 11 days after the US announced $11.1 billion in arms sales to Taiwan, the largest ever package.
  • China also reacted sharply to comments by the Japanese Prime Minister, suggesting Japan could respond militarily if Taiwan were attacked.

TAIWAN’S RESPONSE

  • Taiwan condemned the drills and accused China of destabilising regional peace.
  • Taiwan’s defence ministry placed its forces on high alert.
  • Rapid response exercises were conducted to prepare for a sudden escalation.
  • Taiwan deployed naval and air units and coordinated with its coast guard to protect shipping and fishing routes
  • Taiwanese leaders reiterated that only the people of Taiwan can decide their future.

SITUATION ON THE GROUND

  • Over a dozen Chinese ships and multiple aircraft operated close to Taiwan, some approaching the contiguous zone (24 nautical miles).
  • Chinese coast guard activity increased near Taiwanese waters.
  • Despite tensions, Taiwan’s stock markets remained stable, reflecting limited immediate economic panic.

INTERNATIONAL REACTIONS

  • The United Nations Secretary-General expressed concern over rising military tensions.
  • Russia and China’s allies defended Beijing’s position on sovereignty.
  • Western countries warned against unilateral actions that could destabilise the Indo-Pacific region.

LEGAL & STRATEGIC CONCERNS

  • Analysts say China’s drills increasingly blur the line between training and real attack preparation
  • Frequent exercises reduce warning time for Taiwan and its partners in case of an actual assault.
  • The strategy creates constant pressure without crossing the threshold of war, often described as “grey-zone warfare.”

CHINA’S POSITION ON TAIWAN

  • China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and rejects its independent status.
  • Chinese President Xi Jinping has stated that Taiwan’s reunification is central to China’s vision of global order.
  • Taiwan rejects these claims and functions as a self-governing democratic entity.

WHAT COULD HAPPEN NEXT?

  • It is unclear whether China will escalate further or return to routine patrols.
  • The risk of miscalculation or accidental conflict remains high.
  • Continued US arms support to Taiwan and China’s military posturing suggest long-term strategic rivalry will persist.

CONCLUSION

  • Justice Mission 2025 highlights China’s growing military pressure on Taiwan.
  • The drills serve as both deterrence and signalling, aimed at Taiwan and external powers.
  • While no immediate conflict has erupted, the situation reflects deepening instability in the Indo-Pacific, with serious implications for regional peace and global security.