A Taiwanese Air Force Mirage 2000 fighter jet takes off from Hsinchu air base after the Chinese PLA announced live-fire exercises around the island / December 29, 2025 © EPA / RITCHIE B. TONGO Analysts caution that the distinction between drills and preparations for conflict is fading.
China has sent army, naval, aerial, and artillery forces to zones surrounding Taiwan for the “Mission Justice 2025” maneuvers. The island, in turn, has pledged to protect democracy and has mobilized its forces to defend against a possible invasion.
Reuters reports on this matter.
This marks China's sixth substantial set of military drills since 2022, following a visit by then-Speaker of the US House Nancy Pelosi to the self-governed island. It also happens amidst heightened rhetoric from China regarding its territorial claims after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi implied that a theoretical Chinese assault on Taiwan might provoke a military counter from Tokyo.
The drills commenced 11 days after the US revealed an $11.1 billion arms package to Taiwan, the most substantial one in the island's history, triggering a protest from China's defense ministry and a warning that the military would “undertake decisive actions” in response.
Experts suggest that Beijing's drills increasingly obscure the boundary between routine military exercises and readiness for a potential attack, as well as a tactic designed to grant the US and its allies the least amount of time to respond in the event of an assault on the island.
The Chinese military stated it had deployed warplanes, bombers, unmanned aerial vehicles, and long-range rockets, intending to practice striking moving targets on land and simulating a joint attack on the island from various directions. A representative for Taiwan's presidential office urged China not to jeopardize regional stability and to immediately halt “irresponsible provocations.”
“All personnel within our armed services will maintain heightened alertness and complete vigilance, executing tangible steps to safeguard the values of democracy and liberty,” stated Taiwan's Defense Ministry in a declaration.
According to a high-ranking Taiwanese security official, scores of Chinese warships and aircraft were operating close to the island on Monday, with some “intentionally nearing an area within 38 kilometers of the coastline.” The coast guard has dispatched large vessels in reaction to China's actions and is collaborating with the military to minimize the effects of Beijing's exercises on maritime routes and fishing grounds.
As a reminder, the previous day, Russia assured China of support in the event of an escalation concerning Taiwan.
As Donald Trump returned to the Oval Office, the globe braced for a review of established agreements. Thus, in Taiwan, they are keenly observing the maneuvers of two “sumo wrestlers”: Beijing desires “peaceful reunification” with Taiwan, while Washington seeks a “grand bargain” with China. But will the democratic island become a mere pawn in the major game?
Delve into this topic in the article “Taiwan on the Bargain: Will Trump Trade an Ally for a “Grand Deal” with China?” authored by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine Serhiy Korsunsky.