China began its largest military exercises around Taiwan, named “Justice Mission 2025,” following the U.S. announcement of an $11.1 billion arms package to Taiwan. The drills involve rockets, bomber aircraft, destroyers, and newly deployed Type 075 amphibious assault ships. Live-firing exercises are taking place in waters off Taiwan’s north and south, simulating a blockade of the island. These exercises come amid rising tensions over Taiwan’s sovereignty. China considers Taiwan a breakaway province, while Taiwan is a democratically governed island with strong U.S. support. These drills are the sixth major exercise by China since 2022, signaling increasing military preparedness near Taiwan.
Why It Matters
Taiwan sits along crucial shipping and aviation routes, with around $2.45 trillion in trade passing through the Taiwan Strait each year. A blockade could severely disrupt global trade and regional logistics. The exercises also demonstrate China’s ability to coordinate air, sea, and amphibious operations, including targeting advanced weapon systems like U.S.-made HIMARS rocket launchers. The drills further highlight rising tensions between China, Taiwan, and the United States, affecting security and stability in East and Southeast Asia.
China is seeking to show military strength and readiness for a potential blockade, practicing strikes on ports, airfields, and naval assets. Taiwan, meanwhile, has deployed frontline troops under President Lai Ching-te’s direction to defend the island while adjusting civilian operations to minimize disruption. The United States continues to supply weapons to Taiwan and monitors China’s actions closely, with Pentagon analysts estimating that China aims to be capable of winning a war over Taiwan by 2027. Airlines and shipping companies are also stakeholders, rerouting flights and vessels to avoid the areas affected by the drills.
What’s Next
The exercises are expected to continue in multiple zones around Taiwan, with China focusing on coordinated attacks and anti-submarine operations. Taiwan will maintain high defense readiness while closely observing potential missile launches. Diplomatic and military responses from the United States, Taiwan, and regional countries may follow depending on the scope and intensity of further exercises. Analysts will be watching to see if China escalates beyond drills or tests new weapons systems in the coming months, particularly with its 2027 military readiness target in mind.
With information from Reuters.
