US says Chinese military drills around Taiwan cause unnecessary tensions

China is conducting military drills around Taiwan, simulating island seizure and blockade, as a warning against "separatist forces." The drills, codenamed "Justice Mission 2025," involve the army, navy, air force, and rocket force, including live-fire exercises. The exercises follow the U.S. announcement of a large weapons package sale to Taiwan, which drew protest from Beijing. Taiwan's presidential office criticized the drills, calling them a challenge to international norms, and its defense ministry has deployed forces and missile systems to monitor the situation. The Chinese military's Eastern Theater Command described the exercise as a "shield of justice" against those plotting independence. While China advocates for "peaceful reunification," it reserves the right to use "non-peaceful means" to prevent Taiwan's secession.

China launched live-fire military drills encircling Taiwan on Monday, calling it a "stern warning" to Taiwanese separatist forces and foreign interference. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) deployed naval, air force, and rocket forces, while the Chinese coast guard conducted "law enforcement inspections" around the island. Taiwan's defense ministry condemned the drills as undermining regional peace and responded by dispatching its own forces and conducting combat-readiness exercises. China claims Taiwan as a province and aims for reunification, while Taiwan rejects CCP rule and is strengthening its defenses. The drills follow escalating tensions with Japan and recent US approval of weapons sales to Taiwan.

China announced "Justice Mission 2025," a large-scale military exercise encircling Taiwan, set to begin Tuesday, December 30, 2025. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) mobilized naval, air, ground, and missile forces, sealing off seven zones around Taiwan for live-fire drills. This is the first major exercise since April and is described as a "stern warning" to those opposing China's claims to the island. The exercises simulate blockading ports and establishing dominance east of Taiwan, potentially hindering support from the U.S. and allies. The move follows a proposed $11 billion arms sale from the Trump administration to Taiwan, including HIMARS, though China provided no specific reason for the timing of the drills. Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense has deployed forces in response to the heightened tensions.

On December 29, 2025, China commenced two days of military exercises around Taiwan. The exercises include live-fire drills that China states are designed to simulate a blockade of Taiwan's key ports. Taiwan has responded to these exercises by launching fighter jets and mobilizing troops. Taiwan condemned the military action. The purpose of the exercises, according to China, is to demonstrate its ability to control the waters surrounding Taiwan.