Flights Diverted, Ports Targeted: Taiwan On High Alert As China Holds Record Military Drills

Last Updated:December 29, 2025, 21:14 IST

The drills, which began on Monday, include live-fire exercises and simulations of a possible blockade of Taiwan’s key ports.

A Taiwan Air Force Mirage 2000 fighter jet takes off at Hsinchu Air Base in Hsinchu on December 29, 2025. (AFP photo)

Taiwan has been placed on high alert after China launched large-scale military drills around the island, prompting concerns over regional security and disruption to air and sea travel.

The drills, which began on Monday, include live-fire exercises and simulations of a possible blockade of Taiwan’s key ports.

China said the exercises were aimed at testing its combat readiness and warning against what it calls “Taiwan independence" forces. However, Taiwan strongly criticised the drills, calling them an act of military intimidation that threatens peace and stability in the region.

Beijing claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has repeatedly said it will not rule out the use of force to bring the island under its control. Taiwan, which has its own democratic government, rejects China’s claim.

According to the Chinese military, the drills involve forces from the army, navy, air force and rocket force. They include destroyers, frigates, fighter jets, bombers and drones. The exercises have been named “Justice Mission 2025" and focus on sea and air patrols, joint combat operations and blocking access to important ports and areas around Taiwan.

China also released a map showing five large exercise zones surrounding the island. Some of these zones lie within 12 nautical miles of Taiwan’s coast, which Taipei says is extremely dangerous and irresponsible.

Taiwan’s defence ministry said it detected 89 Chinese military aircraft near the island on Monday, the highest number recorded in a single day since October 2024. It also reported sightings of 28 Chinese warships and coastguard vessels.

As a result of the drills, Taiwan’s Civil Aviation Administration said China had announced a “Temporary Danger Area" in the airspace near the island for 10 hours on Tuesday. More than 100,000 passengers on 857 domestic, international and transit flights are expected to be affected, with some flights being diverted or delayed.

Taiwan’s military said it had set up a response centre and deployed appropriate forces to monitor the situation. The coastguard also sent out large vessels to safeguard surrounding waters.

Taiwan’s Presidential Office spokeswoman Karen Kuo condemned China’s actions, accusing Beijing of ignoring international rules and using military pressure to threaten its neighbours. Taiwan’s defence ministry added that China’s behaviour shows it is the biggest threat to peace in the region.

China defended the drills as necessary. Military spokesman Shi Yi said they were a “stern warning" and a legitimate move to protect China’s sovereignty and national unity. China’s foreign ministry also warned that foreign countries supplying weapons to Taiwan were pushing the Taiwan Strait towards a dangerous situation, hinting at the United States without naming it directly.

The drills follow recent approval by the US of a major arms sale to Taiwan, worth around $11 billion. China has responded by announcing sanctions against several American defence companies.

Meanwhile, on the Chinese island of Pingtan, which lies closest to Taiwan, some visitors appeared unaware of the military activity. Tourists were seen taking photos as fighter jets flew overhead. Some said they believed reunification between China and Taiwan would happen in the future.

China last carried out similar large-scale live-fire drills around Taiwan in April.

(With inputs from AFP)

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