Justice Mission-2025: China surrounds Taiwan with army, navy, air force drills in sharp show of force

China's Coast Guard has also launched patrols in the waters surrounding Taiwan.

China on Monday launched large-scale military drills around Taiwan, deploying its army, navy, air force, and rocket forces in what Beijing described as a stern warning against "Taiwan's independence" separatist forces and external interference, sharply escalating tensions in the region.

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) announced joint military exercises named "Justice Mission-2025", involving coordinated operations across land, sea and air. The drills include preparations for blockade operations, precision strikes and control of key ports and strategic areas around Taiwan, The Global Times reported.

The exercises are being conducted in the Taiwan Strait and in areas north, south, east and southwest of Taiwan. Live-fire drills are scheduled to take place on Tuesday across five maritime and airspace zones encircling the island.

Taiwanese military officials have called the move "irresponsible" because parts of all five drill zones designated by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) for live-fire drills are within Taiwan's territorial waters, Focus Taiwan reported.

China's Eastern Theater Command has mobilised its Army, Navy, Air Force and Rocket Force. Taiwan's military has responded by placing its forces on high alert. China's Coast Guard has also launched patrols in the waters surrounding Taiwan.

"In response to today's #PLA aircraft and naval activity, the #ROCArmedForces conducted Rapid Response Exercises and closely monitored the situation. Joint sea and air operations with all services and the Taiwan Coast Guard remain on high alert," Tiwan's Ministry of Defence wrote in an X post.