Taiwan Detects Record 130 Chinese Military Aircraft in Second-Largest Incursion During "Justice Mission 2025" Drills

The all-time high remains 153 detected on October 14, 2024, during previous drills. This surge occurred amid China’s “Justice Mission 2025” exercises, which entered its second day.

TAIWAN — Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense detected 130 Chinese military aircraft on December 30 (December 29 UTC), marking the second-largest daily incursion after 153 in October 2024, with 90 crossing the median line into northern, central, southwestern, and eastern sectors of the Air Defense Identification Zone. The all-time high remains 153 detected on October 14, 2024, during previous drills.

This surge occurred amid China’s “Justice Mission 2025” exercises, which entered their second day with live-fire activities from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. local time (12:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. UTC) across expanded zones, including two additional unannounced areas.

The drills involved army, navy, air force, rocket force, and coast guard units, simulating port blockades and precision strikes, positioned by China as a deterrent against Taiwan independence and external interference following U.S. arms approvals.

Close encounters between Taiwanese and Chinese coast guard vessels highlighted tensions, with Taiwan maintaining high alert status and conducting patrols.

The operations demonstrated advanced capabilities, testing multi-domain dominance, according to announcements from China’s Eastern Theatre Command.

Propaganda elements, such as China’s Coast Guard posters titled “Choke-hold” and “Hammer of Justice: Seal the Ports, Cut the Lines,” emphasized blockade themes.

Disruptions affected over 850 flight routes and maritime lanes. Regional stakeholders monitored closely, underscoring implications for Indo-Pacific security.

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