China has launched large-scale military drills around Taiwan, simulating the seizure and blockade of key areas of the island in a stark warning to what Beijing describes as “separatist forces”.
The exercises, involving China’s army, navy, air force and rocket force, include live-fire elements and have been codenamed “Justice Mission 2025”, according to the Chinese military. They come just days after the United States announced one of its largest-ever arms sales to Taiwan, valued at $11bn (£8.2bn), a move that drew sharp condemnation from Beijing and prompted sanctions against US defence companies.
China’s latest show of force has further heightened tensions in the Taiwan Strait, where Beijing claims the self-governed island as its territory and has repeatedly warned it will not rule out the use of force to prevent what it sees as secession.
Taiwan’s presidential office criticised the drills, saying they challenge international norms and undermine regional stability.
Taiwan’s defence ministry said it detected Chinese aircraft and naval vessels operating around the island on Monday morning. In response, it has deployed its own forces and missile systems, placing them on “high alert” to defend the island and “protect our people”.
In a post on the Chinese social media platform Weibo, the Eastern Theatre Command, responsible for operations around the Taiwan Strait, described the drills as a “shield of justice”.
“All those plotting independence will be annihilated upon encountering the shield,” the command said.
While some exercises have already begun, the Chinese military said a major phase of the drills would take place between 08:00 and 18:00 local time on Tuesday.
China’s foreign ministry described the operation as a “severe punishment for separatist forces seeking independence through force” and warned “external forces” against “using Taiwan to contain China”.
“Any sinister schemes to obstruct China’s reunification are doomed to fail,” ministry spokesman Lin Jian told a regular press briefing.
Although Beijing continues to state that it seeks “peaceful reunification” with Taiwan, Chinese law allows for the use of “non-peaceful means” if the island moves towards formal independence.
Beijing has accused Taiwan’s president, Lai Ching-te, of pursuing independence. Lai rejects the claim, insisting Taiwan is already a sovereign nation and therefore does not need to declare independence.
Speaking in a televised interview on Sunday, Lai said Taiwan must continue to strengthen its defences so that China “can never meet the standard” required for an invasion. He stressed that his government was committed to maintaining the status quo and avoiding provocation, while adding that peace depends on “real strength”.
Opinion polls consistently show that most people in Taiwan favour maintaining the status quo, rejecting both unification with China and a formal declaration of independence.
China has sharply increased the frequency and scale of military drills around Taiwan since 2022, often in response to actions it views as provocative. These have included a visit by former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in 2022 and Lai’s inauguration as president in 2024.
In April, China’s last live-fire drills in the Taiwan Strait simulated attacks on key ports and energy infrastructure. At the time, the People’s Liberation Army also released propaganda cartoons portraying President Lai as a “parasite”.
This week’s exercises are the first to take place under Yang Zhibin, the new head of the Eastern Theatre Command, who assumed the role in October.
Taiwan regularly conducts its own military drills to prepare for a potential attack and demonstrate its defensive capabilities. This year’s Han Kuang exercise, held over 10 days, was the largest and longest in its history.
Since taking office, Lai has pledged to increase defence spending and strengthen Taiwan’s military readiness. In October, he announced plans to build a dome-like air defence system to protect against “hostile threats”, without explicitly naming China.
China’s military said the current drills are also intended as deterrence “outside the island chain”, a phrase often interpreted as a warning to the US and its regional allies.
Tensions have also spilled over into China’s relationship with Japan. Relations have deteriorated after Japanese leader Sanae Takaichi suggested last month that Japan’s self-defence forces could intervene if China attacked Taiwan. Beijing responded with strong protests and travel warnings, while Japan has accused Chinese fighter jets of locking radar on Japanese aircraft during recent encounters.
