China Launches Live-Firing Drills Around Taiwan in Second Day of Largest-Ever War Games

China launched 10 hours of live-firing exercises around Taiwan on December 29, 2025, marking the second day of its largest-ever war games, dubbed "Justice Mission 2025." The drills involved new amphibious assault ships, bomber aircraft, and warships rehearsing a blockade of the island. Taiwan placed its forces on alert and called the Chinese government "the biggest destroyer of peace." Over 100,000 international air travelers were affected by flight cancellations or diversions, with only a northeast corridor to Japan remaining open. The exercises, covering five locations around Taiwan, followed a US announcement of an $11.1 billion arms package to Taiwan, drawing Chinese warnings of "forceful measures." The drills tested sea-based assaults, air defense, and anti-submarine operations, with 130 Chinese military aircraft and 22 navy and coast guard vessels operating around the island in a 24-hour period, 90 of which crossed the median line dividing the Taiwan Strait.