China Concludes 'Justice Mission 2025' Blockade Drills Around Taiwan

'Justice Mission 2025' Drills Conclude

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command has concluded its 'Justice Mission 2025' military drills around Taiwan, which commenced on Monday, December 29, 2025, and wrapped up by Wednesday, December 31, 2025. The exercises, described by Beijing as a stern warning against 'Taiwan Independence' separatists and external interference, involved a comprehensive display of military capabilities, including the firing of rockets and rehearsals for port seizures.

On the second day of the drills, Tuesday, December 30, 2025, Chinese forces fired more than two dozen rockets and conducted rehearsals for seizing key ports. These long-range live-fire rocket drills utilized PHL-16 multiple-launch rocket systems, with some rockets landing within Taiwan's 'contiguous zone' 24 nautical miles from its shores. The port seizure simulations focused on 'all-dimensional force projection, breaching and raids by elite forces,' specifically targeting critical Taiwanese ports such as Keelung in the north and Kaohsiung in the south.

Scope and Objectives of the Exercises

The 'Justice Mission 2025' drills mobilized a wide array of forces from the PLA Eastern Theater Command, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Rocket Force troops. The exercises spanned the Taiwan Strait and areas to the north, southwest, southeast, and east of Taiwan, with some designated zones reportedly within 12 nautical miles of Taiwan's coast. Key objectives included:

• Sea-air combat readiness patrol
• Joint seizure of comprehensive superiority
• Blockade on key ports and areas
• All-dimensional deterrence outside the island chain

Naval assets such as the amphibious assault ship CS Hainan (31), destroyers CS Taiyuan (131) and CNS Xi'an (153), and several frigates were involved. Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense detected 130 PLA aircraft and 14 PLAN ships during the drills. China's state media indicated the drills were designed to demonstrate Beijing's capability to blockade Taiwan and counter any foreign intervention.

Taiwan's Response and International Concern

Taiwan's government condemned the drills, citing China's 'disregard for international norms and the use of military intimidation.' The Ministry of National Defense (MND) announced that it was adjusting its force posture and maintaining appropriate response mechanisms, emphasizing a calm and prudent approach. Taiwan's Civil Aviation Authority reported significant disruption, with 11 of Taipei's 14 flight routes impacted, affecting over 100,000 air passengers. Taiwanese forces also deployed anti-ship missile batteries and rapid reaction forces, and blocked the Tamsui River estuary with floating barriers and explosive barrels as a defensive measure.

The drills were reportedly triggered by a recent $11.1 billion U.S. arms sale to Taiwan, which Beijing views as a serious provocation. The international community expressed concern, with countries including Australia, France, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the European Union calling for restraint. Washington's official response to the exercises remained muted.