China’s armed forces have begun a second consecutive day of extensive live‑fire military drills around Taiwan, involving prolonged exercises and simulated blockades of the island’s waters and airspace as part of a campaign code‑named “Justice Mission 2025.”
The drills, which include live‑firing and rehearsals designed to test readiness and jointly coordinate forces around the island, follow China’s earlier description of the maneuvers as a warning against “external interference” and movements interpreted as support for Taiwanese defense. Taipei reported heightened military activity and closely monitored the exercises.
U.S. President Donald Trump, when asked about the drills, said he was not concerned, citing his relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping and characterizing the exercises as part of longstanding regional activity. Trump noted that China had not directly discussed the drills with him and suggested they did not pose a direct threat, though he acknowledged their visibility.
The ongoing drills occur against a backdrop of regional sensitivities, with Taiwan maintaining its commitment to sovereignty and urging stability, while China continues to assert its claims over the island. Both developments underscore persistent tensions in the Indo‑Pacific strategic environment.
