China has launched rockets near Taiwan as part of a second day of large-scale military exercises, escalating tensions in the region. The drills, code-named “Justice Mission 2025”, included simulated blockades of Taiwan’s major ports and live-fire exercises designed to test China’s military capabilities.

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Details of the Military Exercises

According to Chinese state media, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) deployed navy destroyers, bombers, and other forces in multiple maritime and airspace zones around Taiwan. The exercises are intended as a show of force against “separatist” elements in Taiwan and foreign interference in the region.

The drills included:

• Live-fire exercises from 8am to 6pm local time (00:00–10:00 GMT).
• Air and sea patrols, anti-submarine manoeuvres, and simulated precision strikes.
• Blockade simulations of Taiwan’s northern and southern ports, including Keelung and Kaohsiung.
• Control of strategic waterways, such as the Bashi Channel and Miyako Strait, which are vital for Taiwan’s energy imports.

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense reported that some drills took place within 12 nautical miles of Taiwan’s coastline, considered its territorial waters. Taiwan’s coastguard confirmed that seven rockets were fired into designated drill zones.

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Impact on Civil Aviation

The drills caused significant disruption to air travel:

• Over 80 domestic flights were canceled, particularly to Taiwan’s outlying islands.
• More than 300 international flights faced potential delays due to rerouted air traffic.

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Context Behind the Drills

The exercises follow the announcement of the largest-ever US arms package to Taiwan, valued at $11.1 billion. Beijing views these sales as a threat to its sovereignty and as support for Taiwan independence movements.

China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated that the drills are “a punitive and deterrent action against separatist forces” and a necessary step to protect China’s territorial integrity.

According to William Yang, senior analyst for Northeast Asia at the International Crisis Group, a key aim of the drills is to demonstrate “anti-access and area denial capability”, essentially blocking Taiwan from receiving international support during a conflict.

Al Jazeera’s China correspondent, Katrina Yu, noted that these exercises encircle Taiwan and involve more regions than previous drills, signaling China’s intent to cut Taiwan off from external support in a crisis scenario.

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Rising Tensions

Observers warn that the scale and rhetoric of these exercises are increasing the risk of conflict. Zein Basravi, reporting from Taiwan, commented:

“While military exercises are routine, the scale and rhetoric from both Taipei and Beijing lower the threshold for potential conflict.”

China’s Eastern Theater Command released propaganda titled “Hammer of Justice: Seal the Ports, Cut the Lines”, emphasizing its strategic objectives in the north and south of Taiwan.

Taiwan’s Defense Ministry tracked 130 air sorties, 14 naval ships, and 8 other vessels during the initial 24 hours of drills. The coastguard and an undisclosed number of naval forces monitored the PLA’s activities.

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What This Means

The Justice Mission 2025 exercises are the sixth large-scale drill by China near Taiwan since 2022, following the US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit. The maneuvers demonstrate China’s focus on military preparedness and regional dominance, signaling to Taiwan and international actors that any perceived move toward independence will face a strong response.