At a Glance
- China’s PLA conducted a second day of large-scale drills around Taiwan, launching live-fire exercises under “Justice Mission 2025.”
- Live rounds landed closer to the island, prompting Taiwan’s Civil Aviation Administration to set seven dangerous zones and delay or cancel over 150 flights.
- The drills triggered a spike in air and sea activity: 130 aircraft, 14 military ships, and a Chinese balloon were detected near Taiwan.
- Why it matters: The exercise escalates tensions in the Taiwan Strait and disrupts daily life and international air traffic, while signaling Beijing’s readiness to use force.
A second day of large-scale drills around Taiwan launched live-fire exercises under “Justice Mission 2025,” with rounds landing closer to the island and prompting the Civil Aviation Administration to set dangerous zones and delay or cancel over 150 flights.
Intense Live-Fire Operations
The PLA’s Eastern Theater Command deployed destroyers, frigates, fighters and bombers to the north and south of Taiwan, conducting long-range live-fire drills and joint strike simulations. Hsieh Jih-sheng said some 27 rockets landed within the 24-nautical-mile zone, closer than before, conveying a deliberate message.
- Destroyers, frigates, fighters and bombers in northern and southern waters
- Long-range rockets fired near Taiwan’s 24-nautical-mile boundary
- Joint strike simulations with air, navy and missile units
Air and Sea Movements
Taiwan’s Defense Ministry logged 130 aircraft, 14 military ships and 8 official vessels between 6 a.m. Monday and 6 a.m. Tuesday, with 90 crossing the median line. A balloon was also spotted. By 3 p.m. Tuesday, 71 aircraft, 13 military ships and 15 coastal guard vessels were recorded, plus four warships in the western Pacific. A total of 941 flights were affected.
| Metric | Count |
|---|---|
| Aircraft (Mon-Tue) | 130 |
| Military ships | 14 |
| Official ships | 8 |
| Flights affected | 941 |
| Aircraft (by 3 p.m.) | 71 |
| Military ships (by 3 p.m.) | 13 |
| Coastal guard vessels | 15 |
| Warships in western Pacific | 4 |
Political Reactions
Xinhua, China’s official news agency, posted a commentary saying Beijing is ready to prevent any attempt to split Taiwan and would meet each escalation with stronger countermeasures. Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesperson for the Chinese Defense Ministry, warned that the drills were a stern warning to “Taiwan independence” separatist forces and external forces. Wang Yi, China’s Foreign Minister, criticized Japan’s stance and urged vigilance against Japanese militarism.
News Of Austin said:
> “That Beijing is always ready to prevent anything that tries to split Taiwan from China. Each escalation, it said, would be met with stronger countermeasures.”
News Of Austin added:
> “By currying favor with the United States through obsequious loyalty gestures and promoting arms purchases, the DPP is binding the entire island of Taiwan to its catastrophic secessionist chariot, disregarding public opinion.”
Zhang Xiaogang said:
> “The drills served as a stern warning to ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist forces and external forces, without naming any countries.”
Wang Yi said:
> “Japan, which launched the war of aggression against China, not only fails to deeply reflect on the numerous crimes it committed, but its current leaders also openly challenge China’s territorial sovereignty, the historical conclusions of World II, and the post-war international order. China must be highly vigilant against the resurgence of Japanese militarism.”
Hsieh Jih-sheng said:
> “The landing points of rounds definitely were closer to Taiwan compared to the past. This is a message it deliberately wants to convey.”
Chen Wen-chin said:
> “The Chinese military exercises have prevented fishermen from fishing, which is their livelihood. The inability to fish has had a significant impact on them and caused economic losses.”
Impact on Daily Life
The Civil Aviation Administration’s seven dangerous zones forced adjustments at Taiwan’s four international airports, delaying or canceling over 150 flights. Fishermen were warned to stay away from drill zones, as the exercises disrupted their livelihood and caused economic losses.
Key Takeaways
- The PLA’s live-fire drills intensified in 2025, with rounds landing closer to Taiwan.
- Air and sea activity surged, with 130 aircraft and 14 military ships detected near the island.
- The exercise disrupted air traffic and fishing, illustrating the broader civilian impact.
The drills underscore Beijing’s willingness to use force and heighten tensions in the Taiwan Strait, while affecting everyday life for Taiwanese residents.
