Beijing (TDI): China conducted large-scale military exercises in East and South China Sea during the second day of the “Justice Mission 2025” drills. These drills follow a massive $11.1 billion weapons package recently announced by the United States for China’s breakaway Taiwan region.
Beijing characterizes these maneuvers as a necessary response to separatist activities and external interference, specifically targeting the administration of Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te.
The China’s Military deployed navy destroyers, bombers and rocket forces to encircle the island. Live-fire exercises occurred within five designated maritime and airspace zones between 8 am and 6 pm local time.
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These exercises emphasize anti-access and area-denial capabilities, intended to demonstrate China’s ability to prevent allies like Japan or the United States from providing supplies during a conflict. Military focus shifted toward seizing control of strategic waterways, including the Bashi Channel and the Miyako Strait, which are vital for Taiwan’s energy imports.
A poster titled “Hammer of Justice: Seal the Ports, Cut the Lines” was released by China’s Eastern Theater Command, depicting simulated strikes on the ports of Keelung and Kaohsiung.
Justice Mission 2025 represents the sixth instance of major Chinese military drills near the breakaway Taiwan region since 2022.
The focus on simulated blockades and precision strikes indicates a strategic shift toward demonstrating capability of total control over the region’s maritime and aerial corridors.
Tayyaba Arif is a student of International Relations, and takes keen interest in conflict reporting and the dynamics of regional and global affairs. She is especially committed to SDG 17, and believes in effective partnerships and promoting cooperative initiatives. She can be reached at tayyabarrif0@gmail.com
