China's Military Drills Around Taiwan (2022-2025)

The PRC conducted large-scale military exercises under the name Justice Mission 2025 that simulated a blockade of Taiwan. The drills included simulations of amphibious and aerial assault operations off Taiwan's eastern coastline and long-range rocket fire. This marked the second such blockade exercise in 2025. In conjunction with these exercises, the China Coast Guard executed patrols around Taiwan's outer islands including Kinmen, Matsu, Wuqiu, and Pratas, with announced patrols coming within prohibited distances. The PLA executed 274 sorties into Taiwan's Air Defense Zone during the two-day exercise period.

China conducted the Joint Sword-2024B exercises, expanding upon the previous Joint Sword-2024A drills. The exercises marked the first time China's military patrolled around the entire island of Taiwan and the islands of Dongyin and Matsu, and included the first use of the 2901 Zhoutou-class ship, the world's largest armed coast guard cutter. The drills served as a direct response to Taiwan President Lai Ching-te's 'Double Tenth' speech on October 10, 2024, which promoted what China characterized as separatist rhetoric.

Three days after the inauguration of Taiwan's new president William Lai Ching-te, China's Eastern Theater Command conducted the Joint Sword-2024A full-scale military exercise involving the army, navy, air force, and rocket force. The drills focused on joint precision strikes, missile tests, and drone operations in the Taiwan Strait and around Kinmen, Matsu, Wuqiu, and Dongyin Islands. This marked the first time the Chinese Coast Guard participated in such drills. The exercises tested real combat capabilities including joint sea-air combat readiness and integrated operations.

China executed air and naval exercises featuring aircraft, naval ships, and land-based missile systems. The drills focused on ship-aircraft coordination to test control of air and sea space. These exercises were conducted in response to Vice President Lai Ching-te's visit to the United States.

China conducted night-time combat drills involving air and naval forces, designed to enhance combat readiness and demonstrate night operations capabilities. The exercises were triggered by increased US military support for Taiwan.

China conducted multi-branch military exercises involving simulated encirclement of Taiwan, missile tests, and joint naval and air operations. These drills were conducted in response to Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen's meeting with US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and aimed to demonstrate the PLA's ability to surround and isolate Taiwan.