China's 'Justice Mission 2025' Taiwan Drills

The China — State Council of China launched large-scale military drills, code-named 'Justice Mission 2025', around Taiwan for two days, simulating a blockade of key ports and assaults on maritime targets. These drills, involving missiles, fighter aircraft, and navy vessels, were a 'stern warning' against 'Taiwan Independence' separatist forces and external interference, following a major $11.1 billion arms sale to Taiwan by the United States and remarks from Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggesting a military response if China used force against Taiwan. Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te condemned the drills as 'highly provocative and reckless' but vowed not to escalate the conflict. The exercises caused significant disruptions to international shipping and aviation routes, leading to flight cancellations and delays. The National Liberation Army stated the drills tested capabilities of sea-air coordination and integrated blockade and control. China's top diplomat Wang Yi also stated that China would 'forcefully counter' US weapons sales to Taiwan and criticized Japan. Despite the heightened tensions, many ordinary Taiwanese reacted stoically, and Taiwan's stock markets remained largely unaffected.