The waters around Taiwan are once again seeing heightened military activity as China launches extensive live-fire drills. These exercises, which Beijing openly states simulate a full blockade of Taiwan’s crucial ports like Keelung and Kaohsiung, are a stark escalation of regional tensions.
Dubbed “Justice Mission 2025,” these large-scale maneuvers involve a formidable array of military might, from destroyers and frigates to fighters, bombers, and drones from all branches of China’s armed forces. Specific zones around Taiwan have been designated for these activities, with a stern warning for all other vessels and aircraft to stay clear.
China frames these drills as a “stern warning” to “Taiwan Independence” forces, asserting its sovereignty over the self-ruled island. However, Taipei sees it as blatant “military intimidation” and a dangerous disregard for international norms. Taiwan’s military and coastguard have swiftly responded, deploying their own forces and establishing response centers to monitor and counter the Chinese presence.
This latest show of force comes hot on the heels of new US arms sales to Taiwan, a move that Beijing views as a serious challenge to its claims. With China’s ruling Communist Party being branded the “greatest destroyer of peace” by Taipei, the situation highlights the deeply entrenched geopolitical divide and the simmering tensions in the Indo-Pacific.
