China Withdraws Ships from Around Taiwan Following Large-Scale Military Exercises
China has concluded its largest-ever military exercises around Taiwan, withdrawing its ships after two days of extensive drills. These included live-fire elements and simulated operations to blockade Taiwan's ports, according to reports from news sources including Le Monde, ANSA, Al Jazeera English, Fox News, and Deutsche Welle.
Background and Context
The drills, known as Justice Mission 2025,
involved the deployment of ground forces, naval vessels, fighter jets, drones, and artillery across seven maritime zones encircling Taiwan. The exercises were reportedly in response to the announcement of the sale of American weapons to Taiwan, less than two weeks after the U.S. announced a record $11.1 billion arms package to the island nation.
China launched missiles and deployed dozens of combat aircraft and ships around Taiwan on Monday and Tuesday, during military exercises simulating the blockade of Taiwan's ports, according to Le Monde. The scope of the operation disrupted civilian air and sea traffic, forcing airlines to reroute flights and Taiwan’s aviation authority to plan alternative airspace corridors.
Key Developments and Details
The exercises involved firing rockets into the international waters around Taiwan and deploying amphibious assault ships, bombers, drones, and other vessels to the area. As The Guardian reports, Australia has expressed deep concern about these exercises, noting that they risk destabilizing the region and could result in an accident or escalation.
While Taiwan condemned the drills as irresponsible, President Tsai Ing-wen assured that Taiwan would act responsibly and would not escalate the conflict, as reported by ANSA. Similarly, a bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers on the Select Committee on China accused Beijing of deliberately escalating tensions in the region, warning that their military display had drawn the attention of Capitol Hill.
Implications and Reactions
The drills represented a significant escalation in tensions between China and Taiwan, with Fox News suggesting that they looked less like symbolism and more like rehearsal. The exercises followed a year of increased pressure on Taiwan through large-scale military exercises, air and naval incursions, and pointed political messaging from Beijing. In response, Washington and its allies sent stronger deterrence signals, leading to a more volatile status quo where the risk of miscalculation has grown.
Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade released a statement expressing their deep concern about the military exercises, stating that any actions that increase the risk of accident, miscalculation, or escalation are strongly opposed.
Current Status
Following the conclusion of these exercises, China has withdrawn its ships from around Taiwan. However, the island nation remains on alert due to the threat posed to regional security. As 2025 ends, tensions between China and Taiwan are higher than at any point in recent years, and the international community continues to closely monitor the situation.