China Launches ‘Justice Mission 2025’ Exercise to Deter Taiwanese Independence

China’s People’s Liberation Army began a large-scale joint military exercise around Taiwan today, saying the operation is aimed at deterring Taiwanese independence and asserting Beijing’s sovereignty claims.

According to China Military Bugle, the official press account of China’s armed forces, the PLA Eastern Theater Command has deployed Army, Navy, Air Force and Rocket Force units for drills code-named “Justice Mission 2025” in the Taiwan Strait and areas north, southwest, southeast and east of the island.

Senior Colonel Shi Yi, spokesperson for the PLA Eastern Theater Command, said the drills focus on sea-air combat readiness patrols, joint seizure of comprehensive superiority, blockades of key ports and areas, and “all-dimensional deterrence outside the island chain.”

“With vessels and aircraft approaching the Taiwan Island in close proximity from different directions, troops of multiple services engage in joint assaults so as to test their joint operations capabilities,” Shi said. He described the exercise as “a stern warning against ‘Taiwan Independence’ separatist forces” and “a legitimate and necessary action to safeguard China’s sovereignty and national unity.” The military said it employed fighters, airborne early warning aircraft, electronic warfare aircraft and drones.

In a separate announcement the same day, the PLA Eastern Theater Command said it conducted drills in the central areas of the Taiwan Strait using fighters, bombers and drones in coordination with long-range rocket forces. The drills focused on striking mobile ground targets to test precision strike capabilities.

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense strongly condemned the PLA’s actions. “We strongly condemn the PRC’s irrational provocations and oppose the PLA’s actions that undermine regional peace,” the ministry said. It added that “Rapid Response Exercises are underway, with forces on high alert to defend the Republic of China and protect our people.”

The drills mark another escalation in China’s sustained military activity around Taiwan, as cross-strait tensions remain high.