China conducted live-fire drills around Taiwan on Tuesday, firing missiles and deploying fighter jets, bombers and warships to waters surrounding the island.
The two-day manoeuvres, codenamed Justice Mission 2025, were designed to simulate a blockade of key Taiwanese ports and strikes against maritime targets. The Chinese military said the exercises achieved the “desired effect” and tested air-sea coordination as well as integrated blockade capabilities.
Taiwan’s leadership strongly condemned the exercises, with President Lai Ching-te accusing Beijing of deliberately undermining regional stability through military pressure, while stressing that Taipei did not seek escalation.
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence said it detected 130 Chinese military aircraft and several warships near the island within 24 hours, as designated drill zones disrupted international shipping and air traffic, leading to flight cancellations and delays.
U.S. president Donald Trump said he was not concerned by the drills and “did not believe” Chinese leader Xi Jinping would order an invasion of Taiwan.
