Justice Mission 2025

China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) on December 29, 2025, launched a large-scale military exercise codenamed “Justice Mission 2025”, involving coordinated naval, air and missile forces encircling Taiwan. The drills mark one of the most expansive Chinese military activities around the island in recent years.

Showcase of Advanced Missile Capability
A key highlight of the exercise is the demonstration of hypersonic YJ-20 missile capabilities deployed from China’s advanced Type 055 guided-missile destroyers. Analysts say the drills signal Beijing’s growing operational maturity and its intent to assert dominance in the Indo-Pacific region.

Trigger and Regional Reactions
The exercises followed strong reactions from Beijing to remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who suggested that Japan’s military could be involved if China were to take action against Taiwan. China termed the comments as interference in its internal affairs.

Pattern Since 2022
Since 2022, China has significantly intensified military drills in the Taiwan Strait, often in response to developments it perceives as provocations. These include former US Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan in 2022 and the inauguration of Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te in 2024.

Taiwan Issue at the Core
Taiwan lies off China’s southeastern coast and has functioned with its own government since 1949, following the Chinese Civil War. Beijing, however, maintains that Taiwan is a breakaway province that must eventually be brought under its control, including by force if necessary.