Overview
- China’s Eastern Theater Command said it successfully completed “Justice Mission 2025,” two days of live-fire exercises that simulated port blockades and joint strikes around Taiwan.
- Taiwan’s defense ministry condemned the drills as provocative, reporting rockets closer than in past exercises, including within its 24-nautical-mile zone, and noting significant flight disruptions.
- Xi Jinping used his New Year address to assert that reunification is “unstoppable,” tying the military pressure to longstanding claims over the island.
- President Lai Ching-te vowed to defend sovereignty, kept forces on alert, and urged support for roughly $40 billion in additional defense spending as Taiwan assesses the drills’ lessons.
- The U.S. State Department said China’s actions unnecessarily raise tensions and called on Beijing to cease military pressure, as Japan, Australia, and the Philippines voiced concern over regional stability.