China continued its second day of large-scale military drills around Taiwan on Tuesday, aiming to simulate a blockade of key Taiwanese ports, raising tensions across the Taiwan Strait. The exercises, named “Justice Mission 2025,” involve coordinated operations by the army, navy, air force, and rocket troops, highlighting Beijing’s commitment to safeguarding what it calls its sovereign territory.
The two-day war games follow a significant arms sale by the United States to Taiwan, prompting Beijing to warn that external support for the island could escalate tensions and push the region toward the risk of imminent conflict. Japan also expressed concerns that any use of force against Taiwan could trigger a military response from Tokyo.
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China’s Defence Ministry stated the drills focus on sea-air combat readiness, blockade strategies, and deterrence outside the island chain. Spokesman Shi Yi described the exercises as a “stern warning against Taiwan independence forces” and a “legitimate action to safeguard national unity and sovereignty.”
The Chinese military designated five zones around Taiwan for live-fire exercises, some within 12 nautical miles of the island’s coast, affecting both international shipping and aviation routes. Taiwan condemned these maneuvers, calling them a violation of international norms and an act of military intimidation against its neighboring regions.
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Taiwan’s defence ministry reported detecting 89 Chinese military aircraft and 28 warships and coastguard vessels near its shores on Monday, marking the highest single-day activity since October 2024. The exercises were also described by Taipei as confirming Beijing’s aggressive posture and threat to regional peace.
State media highlighted that the drills include a simulated blockade of major ports like Keelung and Kaohsiung, while AFP reporters witnessed fighter jets and military vessels in the Pingtan area, the closest point in China to Taiwan’s main island. Analysts warn that the exercises signal China’s determination to assert control over the region amid rising international scrutiny.