China launched its most expansive military exercises around Taiwan on Tuesday, firing rockets into surrounding waters and showcasing new assault capabilities in a sweeping display of force aimed at rehearsing a potential blockade of the island.
Live-Fire Exercises Surround the Island
China’s Eastern Theatre Command conducted 10 hours of live-fire drills, launching rockets into waters north and south of Taiwan. Naval and air force units simulated strikes on maritime and aerial targets, while anti-submarine warfare exercises were carried out around the island.
State media released footage emphasizing Beijing’s growing military capabilities and its readiness to take Taiwan by force if ordered.
Drills Follow Major U.S. Arms Package
The exercises, dubbed “Justice Mission 2025,” began just days after the United States announced a record $11.1 billion arms sale to Taiwan, prompting sharp warnings from Beijing.
Chinese officials said the drills were meant not only to pressure Taiwan but also to deter foreign intervention.
“Any external forces that attempt to intervene in the Taiwan issue will smash their heads against the iron walls of the PLA,” China’s Taiwan Affairs Office said.
Warning to U.S. and Regional Allies
Beijing has intensified its rhetoric amid speculation about possible support for Taiwan from the U.S. and Japan. The drills explicitly dismissed the idea that allied forces could block a future Chinese operation.
Analysts say the exercises highlight China’s growing confidence. “This is an arms race Taiwan cannot possibly win,” said Lyle Goldstein of the U.S.-based Defense Priorities think tank.
Leadership Moves Signal Readiness
Chinese leader Xi Jinping recently promoted the commander of the Eastern Theatre Command to full general, a move analysts interpret as reinforcing combat readiness following internal military shakeups.
The drills marked the sixth major round of war games around Taiwan since 2022 and were the closest yet to the island.
Taiwan Monitors Show of Force
Taiwanese officials said China appeared to be simulating strikes on land-based targets, including U.S.-supplied HIMARS rocket systems.
President Lai Ching-te said Taiwan’s frontline forces were prepared to defend the island but stressed that Taipei did not seek escalation.
Disruption to Air and Sea Traffic
Taiwan’s defense ministry reported that 71 Chinese military aircraft and 24 naval and coast guard vessels operated around the island on Tuesday. China fired 27 rockets into nearby waters.
Civil aviation authorities said 11 of Taiwan’s 14 flight routes were affected, though no international flights were canceled. Routes to the offshore islands of Kinmen and Matsu were temporarily blocked, impacting about 6,000 passengers.
Strategic Stakes in the Taiwan Strait
The Taiwan Strait is a critical global trade corridor, with an estimated $2.45 trillion in commerce passing through annually. U.S. defense officials believe China aims to be capable of taking Taiwan by 2027, the 100th anniversary of the People’s Liberation Army.
China’s military said simulating blockades of Taiwan’s major ports, including Keelung and Kaohsiung, was a central focus of the drills, underscoring the strategic pressure Beijing continues to apply on the self-governed island.
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