China Conducts Military Drills Simulating Taiwan Blockade, Disrupts Taipei Flights
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, China has conducted large-scale military exercises around Taiwan, including live-fire drills and simulated blockades, as part of its ‘Justice Mission 2025’ operation. The drills, which began early Monday, involved missile launches and will feature 10 hours of live-fire exercises and simulated encirclement of Taiwan’s key ports on Tuesday.
The exercises are taking place in five maritime and aerial zones surrounding Taiwan from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM local time (00:00 to 10:00 GMT), involving air and sea patrols, precision strike simulations, and anti-submarine maneuvers. Taiwan’s separatist-led defense ministry claims parts of the drills will occur in waters Taipei considers its territorial space.
Taiwan’s Civil Aeronautics Administration reported over 80 domestic flights were canceled on Tuesday, with more than 300 international flights potentially delayed due to air traffic rerouting. The drills come just days after the U.S. announced its largest-ever $11.1 billion arms package for Taiwan.
China’s military has mobilized army, navy, air force, and rocket units for the exercises, employing fighter jets, bombers, drones, and long-range missiles to practice coordinated multi-directional attacks on moving land targets. A spokesperson for China’s Eastern Theater Command stated the drills serve as a ‘serious warning’ to Taiwan’s separatist forces and foreign interventionists.
While China previously practiced blockading Taiwan’s ports in 2022 exercises, this marks the first time it has openly stated the drills aim to prevent foreign military intervention. The current operation represents China’s sixth round of major military exercises around Taiwan since 2022.
