Today (December 29, 2025), the PLA's Eastern Theater Command launched massive drills around the Taiwan region, marking a show of force with code name "Justice Mission 2025." Covering five key zones—from the Taiwan Strait to waters east of the island—these exercises form a three-sided encirclement, sending a clear message to external forces. 🚨
What sparked this? On December 18, the U.S. announced a record $11.1 billion arms sale to the Taiwan region, shifting focus from defensive gear to offensive weapons and a new tactical network kit. Military experts say this deepens Taiwan's integration with U.S. systems, raising risks of direct confrontation. 🤔
At the same time, separatist rhetoric from Taiwan authorities—such as denying the 1992 Consensus and pushing a "new two-state theory"—has added fuel to the fire. The PLA Daily described these moves as "external collusion," and analysts call the drills a lawful response to protect sovereignty.
Professor Zhang Chi from the National Defense University explains the drills are sharply targeted. Two northern zones aim at key ports, the southern ones block major maritime routes, and the eastern zone focuses on possible foreign support channels. Together, they create a net that leaves no room for outside interference. 🎯
The spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, Chen Binhua, stressed the exercises are not aimed at ordinary residents of Taiwan but at separatist forces and their backers. He urged Taiwan compatriots to oppose any path that endangers cross-strait ties and to work with the Chinese mainland toward national reunification.
With clear advantages in politics, military strength, and international influence, the Chinese mainland remains resolute in its goal of peaceful reunification. Despite U.S. strategies to "use Taiwan to contain China," experts say national reunification is an unstoppable trajectory.
Reference(s):
What triggered the PLA's military drills around Taiwan Island?
cgtn.com
