China's military said it will again conduct large-scale exercises that effectively encircle Taiwan, the first in about nine months. With joint operations centered on the navy and air force and even live-fire drills signaled, tensions in the Taiwan Strait are rising again.
The Spokesperson for the Eastern Theater Command announced on the 29th via social media that from that day, the army, navy, air force, and rocket force would be mobilized to conduct the "Mission of Justice-2025" exercise in the Taiwan Strait and in waters north, southwest, southeast, and east of Taiwan.
The Spokesperson listed as key tasks for this exercise combat-readiness patrols by the navy and air force, seizing comprehensive command and control, blockading major ports and areas, and three-dimensional interdiction on the periphery. The explanation said the goal is to verify the theater units' real-world joint operational capability by having ships and aircraft approach Taiwan Island from multiple directions and multiple services launch joint assaults.
The Eastern Theater Command also said it will conduct an additional "important military exercise" from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the 30th in five maritime and air zones around Taiwan, alongside live-fire drills.
China's military has repeatedly staged so-called "encirclement of Taiwan" drills, taking issue with remarks by the Taiwan president or exchanges with outside powers such as the United States. In May 2024, it conducted the "Sharp Sword-2024A" drill, and in October, the "Sharp Sword-2024B" drill.
In early April this year, after the Taiwan president labeled China as a "hostile force" and moved to root out spies on the island, it conducted the "Strait Thunder-2025A" exercise. The latest drill comes about nine months after that exercise.