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

Overview

• The PLA’s Eastern Theater Command activated army, navy, air force and rocket units for coordinated sea‑air strikes, with live-fire activities designated in five zones around the island.
• State media said scenarios include simulated blockades of key ports such as Keelung and Kaohsiung, and authorities issued notices for ships and aircraft to avoid restricted areas.
• Taiwan placed forces on high alert and ran rapid-response drills, reporting 89 Chinese aircraft and 28 naval and coast guard vessels near its territory and condemning the moves as intimidation.
• PLA materials featured provocative posters and an AI-generated video under a “Shield of Justice” theme, while a Foreign Ministry spokesman warned that supplying Taiwan risks a dangerous turn in the strait.
• The drills follow U.S. approval of roughly $11 billion in arms for Taiwan and China’s sanctions on 20 American defense firms, alongside renewed friction with Japan over potential support for Taipei.