China Warns Taiwan with Massive Live-Fire Exercises

By John Pranay (Editor)

China has conducted a massive military display around Taiwan, encircling the island with naval and air force units in a series of live-fire exercises. The drills, dubbed "Justice Mission 2025," began on December 19 and concluded on December 30, involving 10 hours of live-fire exercises and anti-submarine drills. The exercises were aimed at deterring outside intervention and showcasing China's military superiority, with state media releasing images touting Beijing's technological and military prowess. The drills were the largest by area and the closest yet to Taiwan, with 71 Chinese military aircraft and 24 navy and coast guard vessels operating around the island.

The current tensions between China and Taiwan began to escalate after the US announced a record $11.1 billion arms package to Taiwan on December 19. This move drew the ire of the Chinese defense ministry, which warned of "forceful measures" in response. Chinese leader Xi Jinping promoted the commander of the Eastern Theatre Command, which oversees Taiwan-facing operations, to full general, a move seen as an attempt to shore up the military's combat readiness. Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te has stated that frontline troops are primed to defend the island, but Taipei does not seek to escalate the situation.

• December 19, 2025: The US announces a record $11.1 billion arms package to Taiwan.

• December 20, 2025: China's Eastern Theatre Command begins 10 hours of live-fire exercises, launching rockets into waters to the north and south of Taiwan.

• December 22, 2025: Chinese naval and air force units simulate strikes on maritime and aerial targets and carry out anti-submarine drills around Taiwan.

• December 25, 2025: Taiwan's Civil Aviation Authority reports that 11 of Taipei's 14 flight routes are affected by the drills, with no international flights cancelled.

• December 26, 2025: China's military says it has ramped up its drills around Taiwan over the past three years to make people doubt the government's ability to defend them.

• December 30, 2025: The drills conclude, with 71 Chinese military aircraft and 24 navy and coast guard vessels operating around Taiwan.

The humanitarian impact of the drills is significant, with 6,000 passengers affected by the closure of routes to the offshore islands of Kinmen and Matsu near China's coast. Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te has stated that frontline troops are primed to defend the island, but Taipei does not seek to escalate the situation. The US has announced a record $11.1 billion arms package to Taiwan, which has drawn the ire of the Chinese defense ministry. The situation has triggered international alliances, with Taiwan calling on allies to protect peace.

The drills have raised concerns about the risk of a military conflict between China and Taiwan. The US military believes China is preparing to be able to win a fight for Taiwan by 2027, the centenary of the founding of the PLA. The Pentagon report also suggests that China is contemplating carrying out strikes from China's coast to Taiwan's deep-water ports. This has raised concerns about the risk of a blockade of Taiwan's ports, which could have significant economic and humanitarian consequences.

Q: What is the significance of the drills?

A: The drills are significant because they demonstrate China's military superiority and its ability to take Taiwan by force if necessary.

Q: What is the impact on Taiwan's economy?

A: The drills have affected 6,000 passengers and have raised concerns about the risk of a blockade of Taiwan's ports, which could have significant economic and humanitarian consequences.

Q: What is the US response to the situation?

A: The US has announced a record $11.1 billion arms package to Taiwan, which has drawn the ire of the Chinese defense ministry.

Our internal tone gauge currently reads: Bearish for this development.

1. China encircles Taiwan in massive military display — https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2025/12/30/china-encircles-taiwan-military-action/87957552007/

2. China encircles Taiwan with massive military drills, Taiwan calls on allies to protect peace | watch — https://www.hindustantimes.com/videos/china-encircles-taiwan-with-massive-military-drills-taiwan-calls-on-allies-to-protect-peace-watch-101767107296271.html

Methodology: This analysis combines real-time data aggregation from manually selected global sources with advanced AI synthesis, engineered to provide neutral and data-driven insights.