The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command has launched its annual 'Justice Mission 2025' military exercises around the Taiwan region, described by analysts as both a routine training operation and strategic response to evolving security challenges. Conducted in the Taiwan Strait and surrounding waters, these drills come amid heightened regional tensions as 2025 draws to a close.
Military officials confirm the exercises involve coordinated operations across naval, air, and missile forces, focusing on real-combat scenarios including sea-air patrols and joint blockade simulations. The PLA emphasized all activities occur within China's sovereign territory, with prior safety notifications issued to civilian vessels through established international channels.
Defense experts note the drills reflect Beijing's commitment to maintaining cross-strait stability while deterring what it calls 'external interference' in China's internal affairs. Recent months have seen increased diplomatic activity between the Taiwan region and some Western governments, though officials in Beijing maintain such interactions violate the One-China principle recognized by most United Nations members.
The exercises coincide with the 30th anniversary of the Taiwan Strait Crisis of 1995-96, with military strategists highlighting significant technological advancements in China's defense capabilities over the past three decades. Current operations demonstrate new coordination between traditional naval assets and emerging space-based surveillance systems.
Regional governments including Japan and the Philippines have monitored the drills through established communication channels, while the United States Seventh Fleet conducted parallel freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea this week. Chinese Foreign Ministry officials reiterated that peaceful reunification remains Beijing's ultimate goal, but stressed 'necessary measures will be taken to defend national sovereignty if red lines are crossed.'
