TAIPEI (TVBS News) — China's military launched "Justice Mission 2025" (正義使命-2025) drills around Taiwan early Monday (Dec. 29), deploying army, navy, air force, and rocket force units to test joint combat capabilities in the region. The People's Liberation Army (PLA, 中國人民解放軍) Eastern Theater Command announced the exercises, according to spokesperson Shi Yi (施毅), marking a significant escalation in military pressure.
Shi Yi stated the drills focus on sea and air combat readiness, seizing control, and blocking key ports around Taiwan. He called the exercises a stern warning to "Taiwan independence" forces and external interference, describing them as necessary to defend national sovereignty. The PLA scheduled live-fire drills Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., advising ships and aircraft to avoid designated areas.
China's state media Global Times called the drills a direct response to U.S. arms sales to Taiwan. The U.S. recently announced an NT$350 billion (around US$11.1 billion) arms package to Taiwan, triggering strong opposition from Beijing authorities. China announced countermeasures Dec. 26 against 20 U.S. defense contractors and 10 senior executives involved in arming Taiwan in recent years before launching Monday's military exercises around the island.
Presidential Office spokesperson Kuo Ya-hui (郭雅慧) condemned China's actions as undermining security and stability in the Taiwan Strait and Indo-Pacific region. Kuo called on China to exercise restraint and cease provocative actions, urging cooperation with regional partners to preserve peace. Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (國防部) strongly condemned the PLA's threats, establishing a response center and deploying forces to ensure national security.