Beijing deployed warships, bombers, missile units, and ground forces around Taiwan in a sweeping two-day exercise that analysts say signals heightened pressure following a major U.S. arms package for Taipei.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
China carried out a large-scale simulated blockade of Taiwan this week, deploying naval vessels, bombers, missile units, drones, and ground forces in a coordinated show of force that encircled the self-governing island, according to multiple media and government statements.
The military drills, launched Monday and continuing into Tuesday, were dubbed “Justice Mission 2025” by Chinese authorities and marked one of the most expansive demonstrations of Chinese military power around Taiwan to date. The exercises included first-ever deployments of certain military platforms and were conducted without prior notice to the United States, Taiwan’s primary security partner.
According to reporting by NBC News, some analysts view the exercises as a direct response to a newly announced $11.1 billion U.S.-Taiwan arms package, which Taipei confirmed earlier this month. Details of that weapons package, including medium-range missiles, howitzers, and drones, were outlined in reporting by Reuters and the Associated Press.
President Donald Trump addressed the drills Monday, telling reporters that the exercises did not concern him. According to NBC News, Trump said China has “been doing naval exercises for 20 years in that area,” downplaying the immediate significance of the maneuvers.
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te responded forcefully, saying Taiwan would not be intimidated by the drills. In a public statement, Lai said his government “will steadfastly defend our freedom against coercion,” warning that China’s actions threatened regional stability and global trade routes.
“China’s military provocations along the First Island Chain severely disrupt global maritime trade, air traffic & regional peace,” Lai said in a message posted on X. He added that Taiwan would act responsibly, “neither escalating tensions nor yielding to threats.”
Chinese state-run media framed the exercises as a response to what it characterized as provocation from Taiwan’s leadership. The official outlet XinHua said in coverage of the drills that public opinion in Taiwan was concerned that Lai’s actions were pushing the island toward conflict. The outlet described the exercises as a “stern response” to what it called efforts to pursue independence with foreign backing, according to XinHua’s report. XinHua is a Chinese state-owned media organization.
Taiwan’s Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo also issued a statement, warning that the People’s Liberation Army’s actions endangered civilian traffic and regional security. In a post on X, Koo said Taiwan’s armed forces would respond calmly while safeguarding national security and democracy under presidential guidance.
According to reporting by the New York Times, the exercises were conducted on all sides of Taiwan and included live-fire long-range artillery, bomber and fighter jet deployments, warships, drones, missile units, and the first operational appearance of a new amphibious assault ship.
China has conducted numerous military exercises around Taiwan in recent years. NBC News reported that Beijing has staged a series of similar drills in response to political developments in Taipei. In April 2025, China launched a two-day operation dubbed “Straight Thunder” following remarks by Lai that Beijing described as hostile. Two additional major exercises were conducted in 2024 after Lai assumed office.
The most dramatic escalation in recent years occurred in 2022, when then–House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan despite objections from Beijing. Following that visit, China fired missiles over Taiwan—an escalation that, so far, has not been repeated during this week’s drills.
The latest U.S. arms package, announced Dec. 18, drew sharp condemnation from Beijing. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said the deal turned Taiwan into a “powder keg” and accused Washington of fueling confrontation. According to the Associated Press, Guo warned that U.S. support for Taiwan through arms sales would “only accelerate the push of the Taiwan Strait toward a dangerous situation of military confrontation and war.”
As the exercises continue, regional governments and global markets are closely monitoring developments, with analysts warning that the scale and scope of the drills underscore the increasingly volatile security environment in the Taiwan Strait.
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