Simulation of PLA’s Coercive “Justice Mission 2025” Targets Taiwan, Signals US, Japan
- rkbhonsle
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
China PLA Eastern Theatre Command announced the launch of Justice Mission 2025 on December 29 in the Taiwan periphery with integrated operations by PLAA, PLAN, PLAAF and Rocket Force. Here is a run of events and simulation of impact.
In a series of press releases China Military Online [http://eng.chinamil.com.cn/] Xinhua and Weibo/WeChat reports wherein forces of the Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) commenced drills code-named "Justice Mission 2025" around Taiwan Island on December 29.
Shi Yi, spokesperson for the Eastern theater command was quoted as saying that “PLA Eastern Theater Command is dispatching its Army, Navy, Air Force and Rocket Force troops to conduct drills in the Taiwan Strait and areas to the north, southwest, southeast and east of Taiwan Island”.
Notably the focus of the drills is on subjects of sea-air combat readiness patrol, joint seizure of comprehensive superiority, blockade on key ports and areas, as well as all-dimensional deterrence outside the island chain, he added.
"With vessels and aircraft approaching Taiwan Island in close proximity from different directions, troops of multiple services engage in joint assaults to test their joint operations capabilities," he said.
It is a stern warning against "Taiwan Independence" separatist forces and external interference, and a legitimate and necessary action to safeguard China's sovereignty and national unity, he said pointing apparently towards the United States.
In a separate press release, Senior Colonel Shi Yi, spokesperson of the PLA Eastern Theater Command said, “On December 29, the PLA Eastern Theater Command is dispatching bomber task forces to conduct far-seas combat readiness patrols to the east of the Taiwan Island, focusing on subjects of long-distance raid and joint precision strike. The drills intend to test capabilities of maneuver operations in remote areas”.
Simultaneously the same day, the Fujian Coast Guard organized task forces to carry out comprehensive law enforcement patrol in the waters off the Matsu and Wuqiu Islands, focusing on subjects of identification and verification as well as control and expulsion operations. The drills tested capabilities of rapid response and emergency handling. In addition, joint protection of fishing activities, identification and verification as well as interception and detention operations against unwarranted vessels was also undertaken. The drills tested capabilities of effective jurisdiction and efficient law enforcement.
Given that military exercises, were initiated just days after the US announced a significant arms package to Taiwan and amidst heightened diplomatic tensions with Japan over the Taiwan issue the aim apparently is to send a strong message to both Washington and Taipei of the extent to which China will go if provoked. Taiwan in turn has condemned the drills as "military intimidation" and a challenge to regional peace and international order.
Simulation of Impact
While China frames the drills as a “stern warning” to separatists and outside forces backing Taiwan which includes US and Japan, in the diplomatic sphere there would be statements anticipated from both to defeat the narrative.
While a direct military response by US and Japan is not anticipated, there could be more joint drills organised to demonstrate to China that a clean run for any military operation is unlikely.
In some ways the PLA has given away its hand by attempts to blockade main ports, joint assaults, and integrated missile/air/naval strikes. Thus, Taiwan is expected to be well prepared for further coercion.
Importantly the role of the Coast Guard to dominate the littoral and the Taiwanese Island territories will be a key part of the exercise possibly hoping retraction of population from this Island while deterring further settlements, thus achieving a partial objective.
There will be considerable pressure politically on the leadership in Taiwan and how it reacts remains to be seen given the rapid joint operations by the PLA in a compressed time frame. Militarily will increase the premium on Taiwan’s force readiness.