‘China, US must get along’: Beijing’s last warning after Trump shows ‘no worries’ on Taiwan drills

China-Taiwan Military Exercises & US-China Relations – Detailed Summary

Key Concepts:

• Justice Mission 2025: The name given to China’s large-scale military exercises encircling Taiwan in late December.
• DPP (Democratic Progressive Party): Taiwan’s ruling party, accused by China of pursuing a separatist agenda.
• Contiguous Zone: A 24 nautical mile area beyond a state’s territorial waters, where it can enforce certain laws.
• Reciprocity: A principle in international relations emphasizing mutual benefits and equivalent treatment.
• Red Line: A point beyond which China considers its core interests to be threatened, potentially triggering a strong response.
• Arms Sales to Taiwan: US provision of military equipment to Taiwan, a consistent source of tension with China.

1. Overview of China’s Military Exercises – “Justice Mission 2025”

Starting December 29th, China conducted its largest-ever military exercises surrounding Taiwan, designated “Justice Mission 2025.” These drills involved extensive live-fire exercises, lasting approximately 10 hours on December 30th alone. The operation included the launch of rockets into waters near Taiwan, deployment of new amphibious assault vessels, and rehearsals for potential blockade scenarios, as well as strikes on sea and air targets and anti-submarine drills. Taiwan’s defense ministry reported detecting at least 70 Chinese warplanes, 11 Navy ships, and 14 Coast Guard vessels. Notably, some missiles landed within Taiwan’s 24 nautical mile contiguous zone, closer than in previous exercises. Initial reports indicated 130 aircraft, 28 ships, amphibious assault vessels, and a surveillance balloon were involved in the first 24 hours.

2. Justification and Objectives – China’s Perspective

China framed the exercises as a “severe punishment” and deterrent response to Taiwan’s “separatist forces” and their attempts to seek independence through military buildup. The PLA Eastern Theater Command explicitly stated the drills were intended to safeguard China’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity. China directly linked the exercises to the recent $11.1 billion US arms package to Taiwan, viewing it as support for a separatist agenda.

A spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry accused the DPP authorities of “hellbent” on Taiwan independence, risking the island becoming a “powder keg” and “ammunition depot.” They also warned that external forces “arming Taiwan” would embolden separatists and increase the risk of military conflict. China emphasized that the Taiwan question is a core interest and any crossing of “red lines” would be met with a “resolute head-on blow,” asserting that reunification is inevitable. The primary audience of the drills was identified as the United States, Japan, and former US President Donald Trump, rather than the Taiwanese people themselves.

3. Taiwan’s Response and Impact

Taiwan’s defense ministry condemned the exercises as an attempt to “normalize military coercion” and expressed “strong resentment.” They reported approximately 27 rockets were launched during the drills. The exercises significantly impacted international flight safety, affecting 941 flights passing through Taiwan’s flight information region. Taiwanese officials emphasized that while the scale of the exercises may not be the largest to date, their frequency and proximity to Taiwan are increasing, signaling China’s intent to treat the Taiwan Strait as internal waters. The overall sentiment expressed by Taiwanese officials was one of “disgust.”

4. US Reaction and Diplomatic Tensions

The US response was notably divided. Former US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Susan Sherk characterized the drills as an expression of anger over US arms sales, including offensive weapons capable of striking the Chinese mainland. However, then-President Donald Trump downplayed the exercises, stating he had not been informed by President Xi Jinping and expressing a lack of concern, claiming China had been conducting similar exercises for 20 years. He even suggested the current exercises were not larger than previous ones.

5. China’s Diplomatic Messaging – US-China Relations

Following Trump’s dismissive remarks, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stressed the critical importance of US-China relations, stating that strategic choices made by both countries will shape world history. He advocated for stable relations based on mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation, warning that confrontation harms both sides. Wang Yi urged dialogue based on equality, reciprocity, and mutual trust, criticizing “saying one thing and doing another” and “looking down from a position of superiority.” He emphasized the need for both countries to address each other’s concerns.

6. Technical Details & Military Psychology

From a military perspective, the PLA exercises were designed to achieve a psychological effect, aiming to intimidate Taiwan and demonstrate China’s resolve. The continued exercises, even after their official conclusion, suggest a sustained pressure campaign. The increasing scale of the drills, conducted close to Taiwan, reinforces China’s claim over the Taiwan Strait.

7. Data and Statistics

• $11.1 billion: Value of the recent US arms package to Taiwan.
• 70+: Number of Chinese warplanes detected by Taiwan during the exercises.
• 11: Number of Chinese Navy ships detected.
• 14: Number of Chinese Coast Guard vessels detected.
• 27: Approximate number of rockets launched by China.
• 941: Number of flights affected by the exercises.
• 24 nautical miles: Extent of Taiwan’s contiguous zone, within which some missiles landed.

Conclusion:

China’s “Justice Mission 2025” exercises represent a significant escalation in military pressure on Taiwan, directly linked to US arms sales and perceived support for Taiwanese separatism. The exercises serve as a clear demonstration of China’s resolve to defend its territorial claims and deter external intervention. The contrasting responses from the US – diplomatic condemnation from some officials versus downplaying by President Trump – highlight the complexities and tensions within the US-China relationship. China’s subsequent diplomatic messaging underscores the importance of mutual respect and dialogue, but also firmly reiterates its commitment to reunification, even if it requires forceful measures. The situation remains highly volatile and requires careful management to avoid miscalculation and potential conflict.