China Surrounds Taiwan With Warships And Fighter Jets

China has surrounded Taiwan with warships, fighter jets, drones and missile units in what officials are calling the largest and most complex military drills ever conducted around the self-ruled island. The multi-day operation, launched December 29, has dramatically escalated tensions in the region, prompting urgent warnings from Taipei and concerns among U.S. and allied officials.

The operation — dubbed “Justice Mission 2025” — features a sweeping show of force, with China deploying ground units, warships, fighter aircraft, drones, and artillery across seven maritime sectors surrounding Taiwan.

Senior Col. Shi Yi of the People’s Liberation Army’s Eastern Theater Command defended the operation, calling it both justified and essential. “It is a stern warning against ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist forces and external interference forces, and it is a legitimate and necessary action to safeguard China’s sovereignty and national unity,” he said.

The drills include live-fire operations and simulated attacks targeting land and sea positions, along with exercises designed to blockade Taiwan’s major commercial ports such as Keelung and Kaohsiung. Taiwan’s military has elevated alert status and is actively tracking Chinese forces while conducting its own defensive readiness operations.

Chinese officials claim that the drills are meant to protect China’s sovereignty and respond to what they describe as foreign interference.

Taiwan Strait, Taiwan, China.

The timing of the latest escalation follows several international developments, including a major U.S. arms sale to Taiwan and recent remarks from Japanese leaders signaling potential support for Taiwan in the event of a conflict. China has also issued sanctions against U.S. defense companies in retaliation for their support of the island’s military.

Taiwan’s Defense Ministry announced that rapid-response drills are currently in motion and that its military remains on heightened alert. A statement from the ministry said the situation highlights China’s intentions: “The Chinese Communist Party’s targeted military exercises further confirm its nature as an aggressor and the biggest destroyer of peace,” it said.

The operation reflects a growing trend of rising tensions in the region, marking some of the most extensive encirclement-style drills China has conducted. These actions demonstrate both the growing capabilities of China’s military and the increased likelihood of miscalculation as regional and global powers become more directly involved. Civil aviation has also been impacted, with numerous flight disruptions due to restricted airspace around Taiwan.

Taiwan’s government has condemned the drills as destabilizing and dangerous, asserting its sovereignty while calling for international support to prevent further escalation. U.S. officials have reiterated support for Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities but have avoided direct confrontation, signaling concern over the potential for further tensions.

The history of Taiwan-China-U.S. relations began after World War II, when Taiwan was placed under the Republic of China (ROC). In 1949, China’s civil war ended with the Communist Party establishing the People’s Republic of China (PRC) on the mainland, while the ROC government retreated to Taiwan — leading to competing claims of legitimacy.

During the Cold War, the United States backed the ROC, including a mutual defense treaty and military support against communist expansion. However, in 1979, Washington shifted diplomatic recognition to the PRC. At the same time, Congress passed the Taiwan Relations Act, maintaining unofficial ties and committing the U.S. to help Taiwan defend itself.

This created the long-standing U.S. policy of strategic ambiguity — acknowledging Beijing’s “One China” position while opposing the use of force and continuing arms sales to Taiwan.