China Launches 'Justice Mission 2025' Live-Fire Drills Around Taiwan

Overview

• The PLA Eastern Theater Command began multi-branch exercises on December 29 across five declared maritime and air zones, with a larger live-fire window set for Tuesday from 08:00 to 18:00 local time.
• The force list includes destroyers, frigates, fighters, bombers, drones and rocket units, with training that simulates port blockades and precision strikes on sea and land targets.
• Taiwan reported 89 Chinese aircraft and 28 vessels near its territory, activated a response center, placed forces on high alert, and deployed coast guard ships to key areas.
• Chinese authorities published a map of the closure zones and advised unrelated ships and aircraft to steer clear, framing the activity as a stern warning to separatists and outside interference.
• The maneuvers follow a roughly $10–11 billion U.S. arms package for Taiwan and Chinese sanctions on American defense firms, with recent Japanese statements about potential involvement further straining regional ties.