Justice Mission-2025: China’s Live-Fire Military Drills Around Taiwan Explained

China’s military escalation around Taiwan entered a new phase with the announcement of “Justice Mission-2025”, a large-scale live-fire joint military exercise conducted by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). The drills, held on December 30, 2025, involve air, naval and rocket forces and are projected by Beijing as a stern warning against Taiwan independence and external interference.

The exercise reflects China’s growing use of coercive military signalling in the Indo-Pacific amid rising tensions with the United States, Japan and Taiwan.

What is Justice Mission-2025?

Justice Mission-2025 is a joint, live-fire military drill conducted by China’s Eastern Theatre Command, covering multiple strategic directions around Taiwan.

According to official statements, the drills are designed to test the PLA’s ability to:

• Conduct sea-air combat readiness patrols

• Achieve joint seizure of comprehensive superiority

• Enforce blockades of key ports and maritime zones

• Carry out deterrence operations beyond the island chain

Key Details of Justice Mission-2025

Command & Forces Involved

• Conducted by: PLA Eastern Theatre Command

• Forces: Air Force, Navy and Rocket Force units

• Nature: Live-fire, multi-domain joint exercises

Geographical Scope

The drills are being carried out in:

• Taiwan Strait

• Areas north, southwest, southeast and east of Taiwan

This encirclement pattern mirrors a simulated blockade scenario, rather than a conventional invasion drill.

Why Did China Launch Justice Mission-2025?

Immediate Trigger

Beijing’s announcement followed remarks by Sanae Takaichi, suggesting Japan’s military could get involved if China used force against Taiwan. While China did not name Japan directly, the timing indicates diplomatic retaliation through military pressure.

Broader Strategic Context

• The United States has approved arms sales worth nearly USD 11 billion to Taiwan, the largest-ever package for the island.

• China recently imposed sanctions on US defence companies and executives.

• The drills reinforce Beijing’s One-China principle and rejection of foreign military involvement.

Strategic Objectives of Justice Mission-2025

1. Military Deterrence

The PLA aims to demonstrate its capability to control airspace, sea lanes and ports around Taiwan without launching a full-scale invasion.

2. Blockade Rehearsal

By focusing on ports and maritime choke points, the drills simulate a quarantine or blockade strategy, which could cripple Taiwan economically and psychologically.

3. Signalling to External Powers

Justice Mission-2025 sends a clear message to:

• The United States

• Japan

• Other Indo-Pacific allies
  that any military support to Taiwan will face direct Chinese pushback.

4. Domestic Messaging

The drills also strengthen nationalist narratives within China, portraying the PLA as a guardian of sovereignty and national unity.

Why Justice Mission-2025 Matters Globally

• Raises the risk of miscalculation in the Taiwan Strait

• Increases pressure on Japan–US security cooperation

• Challenges freedom of navigation in one of the world’s most vital maritime corridors

• Adds volatility to the Indo-Pacific power balance

Implications for India

For India, Justice Mission-2025 is strategically significant because:

• It highlights China’s military assertiveness and grey-zone tactics

• Reinforces the importance of Indo-Pacific partnerships

• Underlines the relevance of Quad cooperation and maritime domain awareness

• Signals how China may use coercive drills instead of direct conflict

Conclusion

Justice Mission-2025 is not just another military drill—it is a calculated display of coercive power, blending live-fire capability, blockade rehearsal and geopolitical signalling. As tensions around Taiwan continue to rise, such exercises underline how the Taiwan Strait remains one of the most dangerous flashpoints in global politics.

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