China’s military has launched major war games around Taiwan in what Beijing says is a stern warning against Taiwanese independence and outside interference — especially following Washington’s approval of a significant arms sale to Taipei.
What’s Happening Now
On 29 December 2025, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) began large-scale exercises encircling Taiwan, mobilizing forces from the army, navy, air force and rocket units. These drills, named “Justice Mission 2025,” include live-fire activities in multiple maritime and airspace zones around the island.
China’s Eastern Theater Command said the exercises will test combat readiness and practice blockade and control of key ports and critical areas, sending a “serious warning” to “separatist forces” advocating Taiwan’s formal independence and to any external actors Beijing labels as interfering.
Why China Says It’s Doing This
Beijing claims Taiwan is part of China and has long opposed moves toward independence or foreign support for the self-governing island. China says the drills are necessary to defend sovereignty and deter forces that might support Taiwan militarily or politically. Express Media Service
The announcement comes after the United States approved an $11.1 billion arms package to Taiwan — the latest in a series of military sales designed to bolster Taipei’s defense capabilities. China has strongly criticized this deal, accusing the U.S. of destabilizing the region and threatening its core interests.
In addition to military drills, Beijing has also imposed sanctions on 20 U.S. defense companies involved in past arms sales to Taiwan, warning that any attempts to challenge China’s position on the island will prompt a firm response.
How Taiwan Is Responding
Taiwan has vigorously condemned the exercises as provocative and destabilizing. Its defense ministry says it has placed the armed forces on high alert and is conducting its own rapid-response drills to demonstrate readiness to defend the island.
Taipei also underscored its commitment to safeguarding democracy and freedom, emphasizing that any decision about Taiwan’s future rests with its people — not external forces. AAP News
Officials noted the exercises have affected international travel and shipping routes, with China declaring temporary danger zones that have disrupted flights and maritime traffic around the Taiwan Strait.
Regional and International Impact
The drills are occurring amid broader tensions in East Asia — including recent friction between China and Japan, where Tokyo’s remarks about potential defense cooperation with Taiwan triggered diplomatic unease. Express Media Service
Analysts say these exercises are the largest since 2022 and mark a significant escalation — not just militarily, but politically, as China publicly states that future actions could include blockading major Taiwanese ports.
The United States has reiterated its commitment to Taiwan’s defense under the Taiwan Relations Act, and lawmakers in Washington have shown bipartisan support for continued arms sales. This support, howevear, remains one of the key flashpoints in U.S.–China relations. NewsBytes
What Experts Say
Observers suggest that China’s goals include:
- Demonstrating military capability to encircle and pressure Taiwan;
- Signaling to the U.S. and allies that interference will have consequences;
- Testing Taipei’s defense resolve and regional reactions; and
- Strengthening deterrence against deeper involvement by external powers
Some analysts caution that such drills, if prolonged or expanded, could heighten the risk of miscalculation or accidental clashes. Taiwan’s strategic importance — both as a democratic society and a key player in global supply chains (especially semiconductor manufacturing) — means that any conflict around the island could have widespread economic and security ramifications.
Bottom Line
China’s announcement of war games around Taiwan comes directly after its strong objections to a major U.S. arms deal, reflecting deepening tensions in cross-strait relations and between Beijing and Washington. While China calls these exercises defensive and necessary, Taiwan and its partners view them as provocative and destabilizing — raising stakes for regional peace in the Asia-Pacific.