CHINA LAUNCHES ‘JUSTICE MISSION’ (AROUND TAIWAN)
Why in News?
- In December 2025, China launched large-scale military drills named “Justice Mission 2025” around Taiwan.
- The exercises include live-fire drills and come amid rising tensions involving Taiwan, the United States, and regional powers like Japan.
WHAT ARE JUSTICE MISSION DRILLS?
- The drills are conducted by China’s PLA Eastern Theatre Command.
- They involve army, navy, air force, missile forces, and artillery units.
- China declared five zones around Taiwan where air and sea space restrictions apply for about 10 hours.
- Live-fire exercises were announced as part of the operation.
MILITARY ACTIVITIES INVOLVED
- Deployment of fighter jets, bombers, drones, warships, and long-range rockets.
- Simulation of coordinated attacks from multiple directions.
- Practice of striking mobile land-based targets.
- Exercises to blockade key Taiwanese ports, especially:
- Port of Keelung in the north
- Port of Kaohsiung in the south.
STRATEGIC MESSAGING BY CHINA
- China described the drills as a “serious warning” to:
- Pro-independence forces in Taiwan
- External powers supporting Taiwan
- Chinese military posters carried slogans such as “Smashing separatist forces” and “Deterrence against foreign interference”.
- For the first time, China openly stated that the drills aim to deter outside military intervention.
BACKGROUND TO THE ESCALATION
- This is China’s sixth major military exercise around Taiwan since 2022, following the visit of a senior US leader that year.
- The drills began 11 days after the US announced $11.1 billion in arms sales to Taiwan, the largest ever package.
- China also reacted sharply to comments by the Japanese Prime Minister, suggesting Japan could respond militarily if Taiwan were attacked.
TAIWAN’S RESPONSE
- Taiwan condemned the drills and accused China of destabilising regional peace.
- Taiwan’s defence ministry placed its forces on high alert.
- Rapid response exercises were conducted to prepare for a sudden escalation.
- Taiwan deployed naval and air units and coordinated with its coast guard to protect shipping and fishing routes
- Taiwanese leaders reiterated that only the people of Taiwan can decide their future.
SITUATION ON THE GROUND
- Over a dozen Chinese ships and multiple aircraft operated close to Taiwan, some approaching the contiguous zone (24 nautical miles).
- Chinese coast guard activity increased near Taiwanese waters.
- Despite tensions, Taiwan’s stock markets remained stable, reflecting limited immediate economic panic.
INTERNATIONAL REACTIONS
- The United Nations Secretary-General expressed concern over rising military tensions.
- Russia and China’s allies defended Beijing’s position on sovereignty.
- Western countries warned against unilateral actions that could destabilise the Indo-Pacific region.
LEGAL & STRATEGIC CONCERNS
- Analysts say China’s drills increasingly blur the line between training and real attack preparation
- Frequent exercises reduce warning time for Taiwan and its partners in case of an actual assault.
- The strategy creates constant pressure without crossing the threshold of war, often described as “grey-zone warfare.”
CHINA’S POSITION ON TAIWAN
- China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and rejects its independent status.
- Chinese President Xi Jinping has stated that Taiwan’s reunification is central to China’s vision of global order.
- Taiwan rejects these claims and functions as a self-governing democratic entity.
WHAT COULD HAPPEN NEXT?
- It is unclear whether China will escalate further or return to routine patrols.
- The risk of miscalculation or accidental conflict remains high.
- Continued US arms support to Taiwan and China’s military posturing suggest long-term strategic rivalry will persist.
CONCLUSION
- Justice Mission 2025 highlights China’s growing military pressure on Taiwan.
- The drills serve as both deterrence and signalling, aimed at Taiwan and external powers.
- While no immediate conflict has erupted, the situation reflects deepening instability in the Indo-Pacific, with serious implications for regional peace and global security.
Note: Connect with Vajirao & Reddy Institute to keep yourself updated with latest UPSC Current Affairs in English.
Note: We upload Current Affairs Except Sunday.