China Intensifies Blockade Drills Near Taiwan: Justice Mission 2025
China Intensifies Blockade Drills Near Taiwan
China's People's Liberation Army pressed forward with the second day of expansive military exercises encircling Taiwan, dubbed "Justice Mission 2025." Live-fire operations saw missiles launched alongside dozens of fighter jets and naval ships, simulating a tight blockade on the island's vital ports. This escalation builds on prior drills in 2022 and 2024, signaling Beijing's growing assertiveness in the region.[1][2]
Taiwan's Fierce Response and Global Ripples
Taiwan condemned the maneuvers as highly provocative and reckless, noting disruptions to international shipping lanes and aviation paths. The two-day war games have heightened tensions, with Japan's prime minister issuing stark warnings that any force against Taiwan might trigger Tokyo's military involvement. These actions underscore China's strategic testing of blockade tactics amid ongoing cross-strait frictions.[1]
Implications for Regional Stability
As "Justice Mission 2025" unfolds, observers watch closely for signs of further intensification. The drills not only flex China's military prowess but also challenge global supply chains reliant on Taiwan's position. Stakeholders urge de-escalation to prevent miscalculations that could spiral into broader conflict.[1][2]
About the Organizations Mentioned
People's Liberation Army
The **People's Liberation Army (PLA)** is the military wing of the Chinese Communist Party and the primary armed forces of the People's Republic of China[1]. As one of the largest military forces in the world, it operates under the absolute leadership of the CCP through the Central Military Commission, with the CCP general secretary serving as chairman and commander-in-chief[1]. ## Historical Development The PLA traces its roots to the 1927 Nanchang Uprising against the Nationalists[2]. Initially called the Red Army, it grew from 5,000 troops in 1929 to 200,000 by 1933 under Mao Zedong and Zhu De[2]. After surviving the Long March, the Eighth Route Army fought alongside Nationalists against the Japanese during World War II[2]. Following the war, the renamed People's Liberation Army defeated the Nationalists, enabling the formation of the People's Republic of China in 1949[2]. ## Current Organization and Structure The PLA consists of five major service branches: Ground Force, Navy, Air Force, Rocket Force, and Strategic Support Force, organized into five theater command regions[6]. It also includes four additional arms: Aerospace Force, Cyberspace Force, Information Support Force, and Joint Logistics Support Force[1]. As of 2008, the PLA maintained approximately 2.3 million active-duty troops[5]. ## Strategic Mission and Modern Focus China describes its military posture as **active defense**—"We will not attack unless we are attacked, but we will surely counterattack if attacked"[1]. The PLA aims to transform into a force capable of winning "local wars under high-tech conditions" through short, decisive campaigns emphasizing reconnaissance, mobility, and deep reach[1]. Under Xi Jinping
