Chicago – January 17, 2026
China has carried out large-scale military exercises around Taiwan, deploying army, navy, air force and rocket units in a coordinated show of force aimed at delivering what Beijing called a “serious warning” against Taiwanese independence and foreign interference.
The two-day drills, named “Justice Mission-2025,” were announced by China’s Eastern Theater Command and were designed to test combat readiness, as well as the ability to impose a blockade and seize control of strategic ports and critical zones surrounding the island.
According to both Chinese and Taiwanese officials, the exercises involved live-fire operations and rocket launches. Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense confirmed that rockets fired during the drills landed in waters near the island on Tuesday. The military activity also disrupted civilian life, causing flight delays and cancellations across Taiwan over the past two days.
Taipei strongly condemned the exercises, accusing Beijing of using military intimidation to pressure the island. Taiwan’s defense ministry stated it remains on high alert and emphasized its commitment to taking firm measures to safeguard democracy and freedom.
China has steadily increased military pressure on Taiwan in recent years, frequently conducting drills that simulate blockades and encirclement scenarios. Analysts note that the latest exercises appear to focus more explicitly on restricting foreign military access to the region, signaling a potential escalation in strategy.
In the 24 hours following the start of the drills, Taiwan reported that China deployed 130 military aircraft and 22 naval vessels around the island, underscoring the scale of the operation and intensifying concerns over regional stability.
The drills highlight growing tensions in the Taiwan Strait, a region widely viewed as one of the most volatile flashpoints in the Asia-Pacific.
