According to China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA), the exercises are being carried out simultaneously in separate zones off Taiwan’s north, northeast, west, south and east coasts. Live-fire components include warships, fighter jets, bombers, drones and long-range missile units. The PLA said the operation, named “Justice Mission 2025,” is intended to test joint combat capabilities and send a “stern warning” to Taiwan’s pro-independence forces and what Beijing calls foreign interference.

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence confirmed that the army, navy and air force have been placed on heightened alert in response. It said Chinese military movements are being closely monitored and that counter combat-readiness exercises have been initiated to safeguard national security. “Our forces are deployed and prepared to respond appropriately to any escalation,” the ministry said in a statement.

Taiwan accused Beijing of undermining regional peace and stability through what it described as provocative military actions. The Taiwan Coast Guard warned that the drills pose risks to international shipping lanes and the safety of fishermen operating in nearby waters. Authorities said maritime and air traffic advisories have been issued as a precaution.

The PLA stated that the exercises include simulated strikes on sea and air targets, port blockade scenarios and operations aimed at preventing outside military intervention. The Chinese Coast Guard has also been activated in waters surrounding Taiwan, further tightening pressure on the self-ruled island.

Defence analysts cited by international media described the drills as larger in scale and closer to Taiwan than previous exercises. Particular attention has been drawn to the eastern zone, a strategically sensitive area that could serve as a corridor for international assistance to Taiwan during a conflict.

China considers Taiwan a part of its territory and has repeatedly vowed to prevent any move toward formal independence. Taiwan, which has its own democratically elected government and military, rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims. The island lies about 110 kilometres from Japan, making the surrounding waters critical to Japanese trade routes. Japan also hosts the largest overseas presence of US military forces, adding to the broader geopolitical implications.

While no immediate conflict has been reported, the latest drills underscore rising military pressure on Taiwan and heighten concerns among regional and global stakeholders about stability in East Asia.