China has encircled Taiwan with what it terms a “shield of justice” through extensive military exercises involving army, navy, and air force maneuvers around the island state. These drills are occurring amidst rising tensions as Beijing issues threats to “annihilate” its smaller neighbor.
The large-scale military drill follows the announcement by the US of an £8.2bn arms sale package to Taiwan, a move strongly opposed by China. The exercise involves 89 Chinese aircraft, 14 naval vessels, and 14 coast guard ships, along with a fleet of four amphibious assault ships, as confirmed by Taiwanese military sources.
Named “Justice Mission 2025,” the exercise reportedly includes simulations of a blockade around Taiwan, forming part of the multi-dimensional deterrence training by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). The PLA has revealed that five blockades currently encircle Taiwan, with the drills scheduled to continue until Tuesday to complete the “multi-dimensional deterrence” training.
The operations will concentrate on maritime and aerial combat readiness patrols, integrated control, and securing critical ports and areas, as stated by Shi Yi, a spokesperson for the Eastern Theater Command. The exercise is intended as a stern warning to forces advocating Taiwan Independence and external interference, emphasizing that any independence attempts will face annihilation.
In response to China’s demonstration of force, Taiwan has dispatched fighter jets to patrol its airspace while preparing for drills simulating a defense against invasion. Reports from FTV News indicate the presence of PLA Navy ships, coast guard vessels, and amphibious assault ships in the Western Pacific, along with numerous aircraft sorties monitored entering Taiwan’s response zone.
Since assuming office in 2024, Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te has pledged to increase defense spending to counter Beijing’s threats. In October, plans were unveiled to construct an air defense system to guard against hostile threats. However, Beijing has expressed discontent over Taiwan’s escalation of defense spending, highlighting the island’s significance in the US-China tensions.
Recent calls by President Donald Trump for Taiwan to allocate around 10% of GDP to defense have sparked discussions about a potential substantial increase in defense funds. The Trump administration’s national security strategy emphasizes the importance of regional allies contributing more to collective defense efforts, shifting focus towards the Pacific rather than Europe.
The UK is facing pressure to align with the US amid concerns about the strategic shift in focus. The UK has maintained a consistent stance on the Taiwan issue, allowing the Chinese people, including those in Taiwan, to decide the island’s future status. The new national security strategy aims to prevent conflicts by strengthening the military’s capability to deter aggression.
While previous statements by President Joe Biden assured defending Taiwan in case of invasion, Trump has not reiterated such commitments. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to allocate five percent of GDP to national security by 2035 to address demands for increased defense spending by NATO allies. Defense Secretary John Healey has indicated a planned increase to three percent in the upcoming parliament without specifying the exact timeline for achieving this target.