Taiwan Accuses China of “Reckless” Drills as Forces Simulate a Blockade
Live-Fire Drills Around Taiwan
On December 30, 2025, China continued its live-fire military exercises, known as “Juststart Mission 2025,” around Taiwan for a second consecutive day. This training is aimed at simulating a blockade of Taiwan’s key ports and conducting assaults on maritime targets. The drills have been criticized by Taipei as “highly provocative and reckless.”
According to reports from AFP journalists on Pingtan Island-China’s nearest point to Taiwan-at least ten rockets were launched around 9:00 AM local time, creating a striking display in the sky that attracted attention from onlookers. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) stated that these long-range drills in the waters north of Taiwan achieved their intended objectives.
U.S. Arms Sales Prompt Military Response
These military maneuvers follow a significant recent arms sale to Taiwan from the United States, which acts as the island’s primary security ally. Additionally, Japan’s Prime Minister has indicated that any military aggression toward Taiwan by China could trigger a response from Tokyo. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned that Beijing would “forcefully counter” the large-scale U.S. weapons sales to Taiwan, emphasizing that any effort to hinder China’s unification with the island would ultimately fail.
Reactions from Taiwan and the International Community
Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te condemned the drills, asserting that Beijing’s actions are undermining regional stability through military intimidation. He described the exercises as a “blatant provocation against regional security and international order.”
The PLA is utilizing an array of military assets, including destroyers, frigates, fighters, and bombers, to engage in simulated efforts involving identification, verification, warning, and strikes against maritime targets, as well as anti-air and anti-submarine operations. The exercises, which feature a focus on blockading significant Taiwanese ports such as Keelung and Kaohsiung, are expected to conclude the same day.
Impact on Civil Aviation and Shipping
Taiwan’s Civil Aviation Administration reported that the drills have resulted in widespread cancellations of flights to Kinmen and Matsu, impacting approximately 6,000 passengers. Over 850 international flights have also been jeopardized due to the exercises potentially affecting established shipping routes in the region.
In the 24 hours leading up to 6:00 AM on that Tuesday, Taiwan’s defense ministry detected an extensive presence of Chinese military assets, including 130 aircraft and 14 navy vessels. The Taiwanese Coast Guard has deployed 14 of its own ships to monitor and deter Chinese naval activities.
Public Sentiment in Taiwan
Despite the escalating military tensions, many residents in Taiwan expressed a sense of stoicism towards the situation. Fishmonger Chiang Sheng-ming noted that such drills have been occurring for years, leading to a shared belief among citizens that “if you stand your ground, there’s nothing to be afraid of.” Similarly, elderly fruitseller Tseng Chang-chih asserted that “war is impossible” and characterized the military posturing as mere threats.
Such large-scale military exercises are not new; the last significant drills involving live firing occurred in April 2025 and were similarly decried by Taipei as aggressive provocations.
Conclusion
The situation remains tense as both regional and international observers closely monitor China’s military actions and Taiwan’s responses amid rising geopolitical uncertainties in the Indo-Pacific region.