China’s New War Games Around Taiwan Show Significant Changes from Previous Drills

In recent developments, China has intensified its military presence around Taiwan, conducting significant war games named “Justice Mission 2025.” These exercises, viewed as a robust show of force, come amid heightened tensions following international interactions and military sales involving Taiwan, enhancing the geopolitical landscape surrounding the island nation.

China’s recent military drills, dubbed “Justice Mission 2025,” signify a pivotal escalation in its military engagement around Taiwan, marking the sixth round of extensive war exercises since 2022. The two-day drills began on Monday and involved live-fire exercises over a vast area encircling Taiwan, aimed at demonstrating China’s capabilities to control the airspace and maritime access surrounding the island. According to Shi Yi, a spokesperson for China’s Eastern Theatre Command, the drills included a comprehensive deployment of naval destroyers, frigates, military aircraft, and long-range missiles, simulating strategies to encircle Taiwan and blockade critical port cities such as Keelung and Kaohsiung.

During the exercise, which included 10 hours of live-fire drills on Tuesday, Chinese forces fired long-range rockets into designated zones around Taiwan. The Taiwanese coastguard reported that at least seven rockets were launched, indicating the scale and intensity of these military maneuvers. Taiwan’s Ministry of Defence tracked numerous incursions, with 130 air sorties documented, marking it as one of the largest incursions since 2022.

This iteration of military drills represented a marked escalation from previous exercises, covering a more extensive area—including territorial waters, which had not been breached in earlier drills. Experts note that this significant development signals a clear message to Taiwan and its allies, particularly the United States and Japan, regarding China’s capabilities in conducting anti-access and area denial operations. Such strategies could potentially restrict Taiwan’s access to vital imports, including natural gas and coal, exacerbating its dependence on external resources.

The timing of these drills appears to be a direct response to growing international support for Taiwan, particularly indicated by the recent approval of an unprecedented .1 billion arms sale from the United States. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the exercises served as both a punishment for pro-independence forces in Taiwan and a necessary measure to uphold China’s sovereignty. Additionally, tensions have flared between China and Japan, following remarks made by Japanese officials regarding potential military responses to threats against Taiwan.

In response, Taiwan canceled over 80 domestic flights and warned of possible delays for additional international flights. The Taiwanese Defence Ministry emphasized that China’s provocative actions undermine regional stability and threaten trade and transport pathways. Defence Minister Wellington Koo stated the drills represent a type of “cognitive warfare,” aimed at demoralizing Taiwan’s defense capabilities and promoting societal discord.

As for the United States, President Trump has maintained a cautious stance, refraining from public comment on the drills. Analysts suggest that this could be part of a broader diplomatic strategy to maintain stability in US-China trade discussions.

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