New Delhi: China has launched its largest-ever military drills around Taiwan, dubbed Justice Mission 2025, deploying massive forces to simulate a complete encirclement and blockade of the island.
The Eastern Theatre Command exercise, involving army, navy, and air force units, features live firing drills, port blockades, and joint air-sea operations to demonstrate Beijing’s ability to isolate Taiwan from the outside world in any future conflict.
Taiwan’s Defence Ministry reported 89 Chinese aircraft, 14 warships, and 14 coast guard vessels were circling the island on Monday, with four additional warships spotted in the Western Pacific. Seven maritime zones near Taiwan have been designated as exercise areas, expanded from an initial five, with live firing continuing until Tuesday.
The drills have disrupted over 100,000 international passengers and cancelled around 80 domestic flights, according to China’s transport ministry.
This marks China’s sixth major exercise since 2022, following US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit that year. It comes just 11 days after the US approved an $11.1 billion arms package for Taiwan, which Beijing labels as external interference crossing a red line. Advanced tech like humanoid robots, micro-drones, and weaponised robotic dogs featured prominently, simulating an invasion scenario.
Taiwan, on high alert, condemns the drills as a threat to regional stability and has showcased US-supplied HIMARS rocket systems capable of striking Chinese coastal areas. Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba recently warned of a potential military response if China invades. Taipei firmly rejects Beijing’s claims, insisting its future rests with its people.