On Tuesday, China conducted a significant military exercise by firing rockets into waters near Taiwan, marking its most substantial display of force around the island in eight months. This action served as a stern warning to both “separatist” elements within Taiwan and external entities.

The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command shared a video showcasing rockets being launched into the waters north of Taiwan. The footage also featured bomber aircraft taking off at night, highlighting the extensive military maneuvers encircling the island.

This video release coincided with the second day of the extensive military operation named “Justice Mission 2025.”

The exercise, which began on Monday, saw China deploying warships, aircraft, and conducting live-fire drills around Taiwan. This escalation followed a significant U.S. arms sale to Taipei, further heightening tensions in the region.

China’s strategic use of rockets and military assets around Taiwan underscores the mounting pressures and geopolitical strains, particularly in light of recent developments involving the United States.

“Justice Mission 2025” includes coordinated deployments of ground forces, naval vessels, fighter jets, drones and artillery across seven maritime zones encircling Taiwan.

Tuesday’s drills included long-range live-fire exercises in waters north of Taiwan, PLA Eastern Theater Command spokesperson Li Xi said, according to state-run Xinhua News. Li said the drills achieved their intended results.

Other drills included assaults on maritime targets and anti-air and anti-submarine operations. Destroyers, frigates, fighter jets and bombers also carried out simulated strikes on maritime targets.

China launched rockets near Taiwan during massive live-fire drills, surrounding the island with warships, aircraft and military pressure as tensions rise. (PLA Eastern Theater Command via Reuters)

Rockets fired by Chinese forces landed inside Taiwan’s 24-nautical-mile line, Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said.

Taiwanese leader William Lai Ching-te said Tuesday that Beijing “has continued to escalate military tension in the region, which is not the behavior of a responsible world power,” according to Focus Taiwan. He added that “Taiwan will not provoke a confrontation, nor seek conflict with China.”

Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said on X that 130 PLA aircraft, 14 naval vessels and eight official ships were operating around the island as of 6 a.m. local time.

“Ninety of the 130 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern, central, southwestern and eastern air defense identification zone,” the statement said. “We monitored the situation and responded.”

China launched rockets near Taiwan during massive live-fire drills, surrounding the island with warships, aircraft and military pressure as tensions rise. (PLA Eastern Theater Command via Reuters)

The PLA said on X that a Chinese military drone captured aerial footage of Taipei 101, which Taiwan’s Defense Ministry described as a typical example of psychological warfare. “So close, so beautiful, go to Taipei at any time,” the PLA said in the post.

President Donald Trump said Monday that Chinese President Xi Jinping did not inform him of the drills, adding that the exercises did not concern him.

As the drills unfolded, Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said Chinese military aircraft and naval vessels were operating near the island, with some engaging in close stand-offs near Taiwan’s contiguous zone, about 24 nautical miles from shore.

Military exercises mobilize the Chinese PLA Navy, Army, Air Force and the Chinese Coast Guards, which are deemed as a punishment to Taiwan’s call for independence. (Daniel Ceng/Anadolu via Getty Images)

“Conducting live-fire exercises around the Taiwan Strait would not only constitute military pressure on us, but could also pose broader risks to the international community and neighboring countries,” said Hsieh Jih-sheng, Taiwan’s deputy chief of the general staff for intelligence.

Taiwan placed its military on high alert and said it was prepared to conduct rapid-response exercises if the drills escalated. The ministry released video highlighting its own capabilities, including U.S.-made HIMARS systems, while the coast guard deployed large patrol ships to monitor Chinese vessels near its waters.

China claims Taiwan as its territory and has not ruled out using force to bring the island under its control. Taiwan rejects that claim, maintaining that only its people can decide the island’s future.