Washington, 2 January: The United States has expressed concern over China’s largest-ever military exercises near Taiwan. Washington stated that Beijing’s actions and rhetoric risk unnecessarily escalating tensions in the region.
Responding to the drills, Tommy Piggott, senior deputy spokesperson of the US State Department, urged China to step back from military pressure and choose dialogue. In a statement issued on 1 January, he said China’s military activities are creating unwarranted stress for Taiwan and neighbouring countries. The US called on Beijing to exercise restraint, end military pressure on Taiwan, and initiate meaningful talks.
The statement came as China completed a major military drill named “Justice Mission 2025” from 29 to 31 December. These exercises involved coordinated operations by the People’s Liberation Army’s army, navy, air force, and rocket forces. The drills simulated encirclement of Taiwan, including scenarios such as blocking key ports, precise strikes, and disrupting supply routes.
According to Taiwan’s administration, it tracked 77 Chinese military aircraft and 17 naval vessels during this period. Taiwan responded by deploying fighter jets and taking security measures, including placing explosive barrels as barriers at river mouths.
Several US allies, including the European Union, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Australia, have also expressed unease over the scale and timing of the drills. They warned that such activities increase the risk of miscalculation in the Taiwan Strait.
China describes these exercises as a warning to separatist forces and links them to US-Taiwan defence cooperation, including recent large arms sales to Taiwan. Beijing says its military actions near Taiwan are in response to external interference.
The US reiterated its support for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and opposed any attempts to change the status quo through force or coercion, citing the importance of international trade, supply chains, and regional security.
Chinese President Xi Jinping reiterated the goal of unification with Taiwan in his New Year message. Meanwhile, Taiwan’s government rejected Beijing’s sovereignty claims and stated that the island’s future should be decided solely by its people.
Taiwan has been governed separately from mainland China since 1949, developing its democratic political system, military, and economy. China considers Taiwan a breakaway province and consistently aims for its reunification with the mainland.
A recent independent report described these drills as part of China’s broader strategy to exert pressure in maritime areas. The report also noted that the US has long emphasised resolving regional disputes under international law and without coercion, to maintain freedom of maritime and air navigation.
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