Chinese military to stage drills around Taiwan to warn ‘external forces’ after Japan tensions

China Launches Military Drills Around Taiwan in Escalating Regional Tensions

Chinese military forces have begun conducting joint military exercises around Taiwan, describing the operation as a “stern warning” against separatist movements and foreign interference in the region. The announcement comes amid rising tensions in East Asia, particularly following recent diplomatic statements from Japan and arms deals with the United States.

The People’s Liberation Army’s Eastern Theater Command launched the drills, code-named “Justice Mission 2025,” deploying air, naval and rocket forces in multiple areas surrounding Taiwan. Senior Colonel Shi Yi, spokesperson for the command, specified that the exercises would take place in the Taiwan Strait as well as areas to the north, southwest, southeast, and east of the island.

According to the military’s statement released on WeChat, the drills will focus on sea-air combat readiness patrols, “joint seizure of comprehensive superiority,” blockades of key ports, and deterrence operations. The command explicitly framed the exercises as “a legitimate and necessary action to safeguard China’s sovereignty and national unity.”

The timing of these military maneuvers appears connected to recent diplomatic tensions, particularly Beijing’s displeasure with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s suggestion that Japan’s military could intervene if China were to take action against Taiwan. Though the Chinese military did not directly mention Japan in its official statement, the connection seems evident given the timing.

Taiwan has operated under its own democratic government since 1949, when the island separated from mainland China during the Chinese Civil War. Despite functioning as a de facto independent nation with its own elections, currency and military for over seven decades, Beijing continues to view Taiwan as a breakaway province that must eventually be reunified with the mainland, by force if necessary.

These drills represent the latest escalation in an already tense geopolitical situation. Just last week, China imposed sanctions against 20 U.S. defense-related companies and 10 executives, responding to Washington’s announcement of a potential $10 billion arms package to Taiwan. If approved by Congress, this would constitute the largest American weapons sale to the self-governed island in history.

The military exercises also reflect China’s increasingly assertive stance in the region under President Xi Jinping, who has repeatedly emphasized the importance of “national reunification” with Taiwan as a core policy objective. Previous large-scale drills around Taiwan have typically followed what Beijing perceives as provocations, such as high-profile visits by U.S. officials or statements supporting Taiwan’s distinct status.

For residents of Taiwan, these recurring military exercises have become an uncomfortable fact of life, though they typically cause minimal disruption to daily activities. The island’s defense ministry routinely monitors such drills and has generally responded by reaffirming its commitment to defending Taiwan’s democracy without escalating tensions.

Regional analysts note that these drills serve multiple purposes for Beijing: demonstrating military capabilities, testing operational readiness, sending political messages to domestic and international audiences, and potentially gathering intelligence on Taiwan’s defensive responses.

The United States, which remains Taiwan’s most important international backer and arms supplier despite not having formal diplomatic relations with the island, has consistently called for peaceful resolution of cross-strait tensions. Washington maintains a policy of “strategic ambiguity” regarding whether it would directly intervene militarily if China were to attack Taiwan.

As Beijing continues to flex its military muscle around Taiwan, neighboring countries like Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines are increasingly concerned about regional security and stability, particularly regarding freedom of navigation in vital shipping lanes that pass near Taiwan.