CHINA LAUNCHES ‘JUSTICE MISSION’ (AROUND TAIWAN) from Vajirao & Reddy Institute

CHINA LAUNCHES ‘JUSTICE MISSION’ (AROUND TAIWAN)

• In December 2025, China launched large-scale military drills named “Justice Mission 2025” around Taiwan.
• The exercises include live-fire drills and come amid rising tensions involving Taiwan, the United States, and regional powers like Japan.

• The drills are conducted by China’s PLA Eastern Theatre Command.
• They involve army, navy, air force, missile forces, and artillery units.
• China declared five zones around Taiwan where air and sea space restrictions apply for about 10 hours.
• Live-fire exercises were announced as part of the operation.

• Deployment of fighter jets, bombers, drones, warships, and long-range rockets.
• Simulation of coordinated attacks from multiple directions.
• Practice of striking mobile land-based targets.
• Exercises to blockade key Taiwanese ports, especially:
  • Port of Keelung in the north
  • Port of Kaohsiung in the south.

• China described the drills as a “serious warning” to:
  • Pro-independence forces in Taiwan
  • External powers supporting Taiwan
• Chinese military posters carried slogans such as “Smashing separatist forces” and “Deterrence against foreign interference”.
• For the first time, China openly stated that the drills aim to deter outside military intervention.

• This is China’s sixth major military exercise around Taiwan since 2022, following the visit of a senior US leader that year.
• The drills began 11 days after the US announced $11.1 billion in arms sales to Taiwan, the largest ever package.
• China also reacted sharply to comments by the Japanese Prime Minister, suggesting Japan could respond militarily if Taiwan were attacked.

• Taiwan condemned the drills and accused China of destabilising regional peace.
• Taiwan’s defence ministry placed its forces on high alert.
• Rapid response exercises were conducted to prepare for a sudden escalation.
• Taiwan deployed naval and air units and coordinated with its coast guard to protect shipping and fishing routes
• Taiwanese leaders reiterated that only the people of Taiwan can decide their future.

• Over a dozen Chinese ships and multiple aircraft operated close to Taiwan, some approaching the contiguous zone (24 nautical miles).
• Chinese coast guard activity increased near Taiwanese waters.
• Despite tensions, Taiwan’s stock markets remained stable, reflecting limited immediate economic panic.

• The United Nations Secretary-General expressed concern over rising military tensions.
• Russia and China’s allies defended Beijing’s position on sovereignty.
• Western countries warned against unilateral actions that could destabilise the Indo-Pacific region.

• Analysts say China’s drills increasingly blur the line between training and real attack preparation
• Frequent exercises reduce warning time for Taiwan and its partners in case of an actual assault.
• The strategy creates constant pressure without crossing the threshold of war, often described as “grey-zone warfare.”

• China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and rejects its independent status.
• Chinese President Xi Jinping has stated that Taiwan’s reunification is central to China’s vision of global order.
• Taiwan rejects these claims and functions as a self-governing democratic entity.

• It is unclear whether China will escalate further or return to routine patrols.
• The risk of miscalculation or accidental conflict remains high.
• Continued US arms support to Taiwan and China’s military posturing suggest long-term strategic rivalry will persist.

• Justice Mission 2025 highlights China’s growing military pressure on Taiwan.
• The drills serve as both deterrence and signalling, aimed at Taiwan and external powers.
• While no immediate conflict has erupted, the situation reflects deepening instability in the Indo-Pacific, with serious implications for regional peace and global security.