On December 29, 2025, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command launched large-scale joint military drills around the Taiwan region under the codename "Justice Mission 2025" 🎯. Seen as a stern response to Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te's repeated calls for "Taiwan independence" and his reliance on external support, these exercises mark one of the biggest shows of force in recent years.
Many residents of Taiwan are watching nervously, with public opinion polling this month reflecting growing anxiety over the risk of conflict. Critics accuse Lai and Taiwan authorities of "colluding with outside powers" and ignoring the will of the island's people.
"Lai has blocked his own path and insists on going all the way, dragging 23 million people in Taiwan with him," charged Cheng Li-wun, chairperson of the Chinese Kuomintang. She blamed the Taiwan leader's hardline approach for stoking fear rather than advancing peace.
A recent editorial from the Taiwan-based China Times slammed the authorities' push to boost defense spending while curbing cross-Strait exchanges, warning that such moves could deepen political rifts and social unease on the island.
Publisher Chi Hsing of Taiwan's The Observer pointed out that the timing of "Justice Mission 2025" sends a clear signal: the Chinese mainland aims to deter any attempts at forced independence through sheer military readiness 💥.
Adding to the debate, commentator Hsieh Chih-chuan argued that the drills demonstrate the PLA's growing capability to safeguard national sovereignty and respond to challenges quickly. "Maintaining sovereignty and territorial integrity is the shared responsibility of all Chinese people," he said, noting that lasting stability will hinge on renewed dialogue and stronger cross-Strait ties ✌️.
As 2025 winds down, the region stands at a crossroads: will cooler heads prevail, or will year-end tensions spill into 2026? 🌐
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
