China conducted 10 hours of live-firing exercises near Taiwan, involving new amphibious assault ships, bombers, and warships as part of its largest-ever war games. Taiwan responded by putting its forces on alert and criticizing China as the “biggest destroyer of peace.”
The Eastern Theatre Command stated that the drills, held in five locations surrounding Taiwan, included strikes on maritime and aerial targets, as well as anti-submarine operations. Flight disruptions affected over 100,000 international air travelers, with limited routes available due to the military activities.
Dubbed “Justice Mission 2025,” the exercises expanded to new zones closer to Taiwan, following the U.S.’s recent $11.1 billion arms sale to Taiwan. These maneuvers, the sixth series since 2022, aim to simulate a swift encirclement of Taiwan to disrupt its defenses and supply routes from Japan and U.S. bases.
An anonymous Taiwan security official condemned the exercises as a provocation, highlighting the strategic importance of the Taiwan Strait for global trade and regional connectivity. Concerns were raised about potential further provocations by China, such as missile flyovers, in an attempt to assert dominance over the region.
Despite the heightened tensions, U.S. President Donald Trump downplayed concerns, citing China’s long history of naval exercises in the area and expressing confidence in his relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Taiwan reiterated its stance on self-determination, rejecting China’s claims to unify the island forcibly.
