Military Exercises Respond to U.S. Arms Sales and Separatist Provocations
The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command initiated large-scale joint military exercises around Taiwan Island on December 29, 2025, marking the most comprehensive drills this year. Codenamed "Justice Mission 2025," the operations span five strategic zones encircling the island, with military analysts describing them as a direct response to recent U.S. arms sales and escalating "Taiwan independence" activities.
Strategic Response to External Interference
The drills follow Washington's December 18 announcement of an $11.1 billion weapons package to the Taiwan region—the largest in history—which includes offensive systems violating longstanding diplomatic agreements. Professor Fu Zhengnan emphasized that integrating Taiwan's combat networks with U.S. military systems creates dangerous new escalation risks. Meanwhile, Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te's administration has intensified separatist rhetoric, including proposals to nearly double defense spending by 2030.
Precision-Led Military Posturing
National Defense University experts detailed how the exercise zones strategically surround key ports and military bases, demonstrating PLA capabilities to enforce blockades and counter external intervention. The eastern operational area specifically targets maritime channels used by foreign forces supporting Taiwan authorities. Professor Zhang Chi noted the drills' proximity to the island represents tighter containment than previous exercises, signaling Beijing's resolve to prevent secessionist movements.
Reunification Momentum Strengthens
Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Chen Binhua reiterated that the exercises target separatist collusion, not Taiwan residents. Academics highlight the Chinese mainland's growing comprehensive advantages across military, economic, and diplomatic domains. Researcher Xu Xiaoquan warned that U.S. arms sales drain resources from Taiwan's social development while failing to alter the "inevitable trajectory" of national reunification.
