The Eastern Theater Command of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) has initiated large-scale joint military exercises encircling Taiwan on December 29, 2025. Codenamed 'Justice Mission 2025,' the drills involve coordinated operations across the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Rocket Force in strategic zones surrounding the Taiwan region.
Spokesperson Shi Yi confirmed forces are conducting maneuvers in the Taiwan Strait and areas north, southwest, southeast, and east of Taiwan. The exercises focus on critical military capabilities including sea-air combat readiness, joint operations superiority, and multi-dimensional deterrence strategies beyond the island chain.
'These operations demonstrate our troops' capacity to maintain combat readiness through realistic training scenarios,' Shi stated. The drills come as Beijing intensifies efforts to counter what it describes as 'separatist activities' and external interference in cross-strait affairs.
Military analysts note the timing coincides with increased regional security consultations among APEC members, though Chinese officials maintain the exercises represent routine training. The maneuvers follow recent diplomatic efforts to stabilize cross-strait relations while reaffirming Beijing's position on national sovereignty.
