Conflicts

China launches two-day live-fire military exercises around Taiwan

Illustration for: China launches two-day live-fire military exercises around Taiwan
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Dec 29, 2025

THE BARE STORY

On Monday, December 29, 2025, China initiated two days of live-fire military drills surrounding Taiwan. The operation, code-named "Justice Mission 2025," involves the army, navy, air force, and rocket force simulating a blockade of the island's key ports and practicing sea-air combat readiness.

According to the People's Liberation Army's Eastern Theater Command, the exercises include live-fire training on maritime targets and the deployment of destroyers, fighters, and bombers. Taiwan’s Defense Ministry reported detecting 89 Chinese military aircraft and approximately 28 warships and coast guard vessels operating near the island. In response, Taiwan placed its military on high alert, establishing a response center and deploying patrol ships to monitor the activity.

The maneuvers have disrupted civilian travel, with Chinese authorities advising vessels and aircraft to avoid designated danger zones. Taiwan’s transport ministry estimated that Tuesday's scheduled live-fire activities would impact over 100,000 passengers on international flights, prompting aviation authorities to reroute traffic.

These drills follow the recent announcement of a U.S. arms sale to Taiwan valued at over $10 billion. While a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson warned that external arming of the island pushes the region toward a "perilous situation," Taiwan’s government condemned the exercises as "military intimidation" and accused Beijing of disregarding international norms.

Same Facts. Different Perspectives.

Two AI models. Two viewpoints. One factual foundation.

Perspective by Claude

• Exercises serve as a response to external military support A foreign ministry spokesperson linked the current situation to a recent $10 billion U.S. arms sale to the island. Officials warned that such external arming pushes the region toward a "perilous situation," framing the drills as a necessary reaction to these developments.

• "Justice Mission 2025" simulates comprehensive combat readiness The People's Liberation Army's Eastern Theater Command is utilizing the army, navy, air force, and rocket force to simulate a blockade of key ports. The operation involves the deployment of destroyers, bombers, and fighters to practice sea-air combat and live-fire training on maritime targets.

• Safety advisories issued for live-fire zones Authorities have designated specific danger zones for the duration of the two-day operation. To ensure safety during the live-fire activities, officials advised civilian vessels and aircraft to avoid these restricted areas while the exercises are underway.

How it may affect me

As a U.S. reader:

• Travelers on international flights may face delays or rerouting as aviation authorities navigate around live-fire zones that are currently impacting over 100,000 passengers.

• Recent U.S. government defense exports are a central factor in the event, as Beijing explicitly linked the drills to a $10 billion arms sale to Taiwan.

• Civilian maritime traffic faces disruption as vessels are advised to avoid designated danger zones where military forces are simulating blockades of key ports.

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