Following the December 29 announcement of 'Justice Mission 2025,' the PLA Eastern Theater Command has launched joint drills around Taiwan, testing multi-service combat capabilities in sea-air patrols, blockades, and deterrence. Taiwan has deployed forces, missile systems, and remains on high alert, criticizing the exercises as a challenge to norms.
Senior Colonel Shi Yi confirmed the drills began Monday across the Taiwan Strait and adjacent areas, with troops from army, navy, air force, and rocket force conducting joint assaults in close proximity to the island. A Weibo post by the command dubbed it a 'shield of justice,' vowing to annihilate independence plotters. Major live-fire drills are set for Tuesday, 08:00-18:00 local time.
This marks the first such exercise under new chief Yang Zhibin, appointed in October. It follows U.S. $11 billion arms sales to Taiwan and builds on intensified drills since 2022, including responses to Nancy Pelosi's visit and Lai Ching-te's inauguration.
Taiwan's presidential office condemned the drills, while the defense ministry reported detecting PLA aircraft and vessels, prompting deployments to monitor and defend. In a recent interview, President Lai stressed raising invasion barriers through strength and status quo maintenance. Polls favor the status quo, and Taiwan's Han Kuang drills this year were expanded, with vows for higher defense spending and a new air defense system.