'Justice Mission 2025': China Escalates Military Pressure on Taiwan with Coast Guard and Multi-Domain Operations

The most recent major development in cross-strait tensions involves China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) launching large-scale military drills around Taiwan starting on December 29, 2025. Dubbed "Justice Mission 2025", the exercises feature coordinated operations by the navy, air force, rocket force, and coastguard, simulating a blockade of Taiwan's major ports, precision strikes on land and sea targets, and measures to counter potential "external interference" — a clear reference to the United States and allies like Japan. The drills span multiple zones encircling the island, with live-fire activities extending into December 30, marking one of the most extensive such operations in recent years in terms of coverage and proximity to Taiwan's shores.

Beijing framed the maneuvers as a stern warning to "Taiwan independence separatist forces" and outside powers, coming shortly after the U.S. approved a record $11.1 billion arms sales package to Taiwan — the largest ever — which included advanced systems like HIMARS rocket launchers. Chinese officials and state media portrayed the drills as a necessary response to perceived provocations, including Taiwan President Lai Ching-te's emphasis on boosting defenses and achieving high combat readiness. The exercises also followed controversial statements from Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggesting potential Japanese military involvement if China moved against Taiwan, further heightening Beijing's rhetoric against foreign intervention.

Taiwan responded by placing its forces on high alert, establishing emergency response centers, and conducting rapid counter-readiness drills while condemning the PLA actions as irrational intimidation and proof of China's aggressive intent. The drills disrupted air travel significantly, with over 100,000 passengers affected by cancellations and rerouting of hundreds of flights. Analysts note that while such blockade rehearsals have become somewhat routine since 2022, this iteration demonstrates improved PLA rapid deployment capabilities and an explicit focus on denying access to external reinforcements — signaling ongoing preparations for potential conflict scenarios amid strained U.S.-China relations under the current administration.