The Chinese army's Eastern Theater Commandannounced on December 29 that it would conduct live ammunition joint strike drills around Taiwan from morning to night the following day, codenamed Justice Mission.
For safety, vessels and aircraft were advised to avoid five training regions around the island specified in a map from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on December 30.
Chinese army spokesperson Shi Yi stated the exercises will test the relevant unit's combat readiness and combined deterrence capabilities as a warning against Taiwanese separatists.
This is the fourth such large-scale military exercise by the People's Liberation Army around Taiwan since Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te took office in May 2024. The PLA conducted exercises in the month Lai took office, and followed with drills in October 2024 and April 2025. （Related： Japanese Media Alleges China backed Kuomintang Candidate in 2018 Taiwanese Elections ｜ Latest ）
