Following China's December 29 announcement, the PLA launched 'Justice Mission 2025' exercises around Taiwan on December 30, prompting Japan to dispatch a Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer for surveillance amid heightened tensions over U.S. arms sales and Tokyo's warnings on a potential Taiwan crisis.
China's People's Liberation Army Eastern Theater Command initiated 'Justice Mission 2025' on December 30—the first major drills since April—encircling Taiwan's main island across five maritime and airspace zones with port blockades and live-fire exercises. As previously announced, a PLA spokesperson framed them as a 'stern warning' to 'Taiwan independence' forces and external interference, targeting U.S. arms sales approved December 17 ($11.1 billion) and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's November statement that a Taiwan contingency could threaten Japan's survival.
Japan's Defense Ministry responded on December 31 by sending a destroyer for intelligence gathering. Officials noted no unusual activities or incursions into Japan's EEZ, unlike 2022 drills, suggesting China is avoiding unnecessary provocations. Tokyo is coordinating with allies amid escalating rhetoric.
Taiwan's Presidential Office condemned the drills for undermining regional security, while its Defense Ministry shared surveillance footage emphasizing resilience. Experts like Meng Xiangqing highlighted China's 'anti-access/area denial' focus.
The exercises raise collision risks and escalation concerns, with Japan's LDP lawmaker Itsunori Onodera warning of sudden developments. Tokyo pledges close monitoring to uphold a rules-based order.
