China Launches Justice Mission 2025: Drills Surround Taiwan Amid US Arms Sale
China Launches Justice Mission 2025 Drills Around Taiwan
China's People's Liberation Army has initiated snap military drills dubbed Justice Mission 2025, encircling Taiwan with navy, air force, rocket force, and coast guard units just days after the US approved an $11.1 billion arms sale to the island. Beijing frames these as a stern warning to separatist forces, simulating a total blockade of key ports and precise strikes on maritime targets.[1][2]
Scale and Tactics of the Exercises
The maneuvers involve destroyers, frigates, fighters, bombers, drones, and long-range missiles operating in close proximity to Taiwan, with some zones overlapping its territorial waters. Taiwan detected 28 ships and 89 aircraft, the highest in over a year, including amphibious assault ships and a drone overflying Taipei 101. Live-fire drills test sea-air coordination and submarine hunts, marking the sixth major exercise since 2022.[1][3]
Geopolitical Tensions and Implications
Taipei labels this military intimidation amid escalating US-Taiwan ties. These public drills, with transponders on, signal Beijing's resolve to deter independence moves while honing readiness. As provocations mount, the region braces for heightened risks to stability.[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
