International Reactions to China's Large-Scale Joint Drills Around Taiwan

 

From 29–31 December 2025, China’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) announced that it had deployed the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Rocket Force to conduct the joint military exercises “Justice Mission–2025” in the Taiwan Strait. Beijing described the drills as a “stern warning” to “Taiwan independence separatist forces” and to “external interference.” On the same day, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense “strongly condemned” what it called China’s “unreasonable provocation,” stating that Taiwan’s military was on high alert and preparing to conduct Rapid Response Exercises.

 

In response, at least 11 countries/organizations issued official foreign-ministry–level statements expressing concern, while six were reported to have voiced support:

 

Those most outspoken in condemning and directly criticizing China included the United States, Australia, the Philippines, and Japan. The U.S. State Department criticized China’s actions and rhetoric for “unnecessarily” escalating tensions and urged Beijing to stop military pressure on Taiwan. Australia’s DFAT “strongly opposed” any actions that heighten tensions, calling China’s drills “deeply concerning, destabilizing, and escalating” for the region. The Philippine Department of National Defense expressed “deep concern” about China’s “coercive” behavior and its destabilizing effects on the regional security environment. Japan’s Foreign Ministry said the drills were “escalating tensions,” and Tokyo conveyed its concerns directly to Beijing.

 

Other countries/organizations – including Germany, the United Kingdom, France, the European Union, Lithuania, Canada, and New Zealand – reaffirmed their interests and commitments to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, opposed any unilateral attempt to change the status quo, and called on all parties to exercise restraint and pursue peaceful dialogue. Some expressed concern while avoiding direct mention of China by name.

 

According to China’s Foreign Ministry, a number of countries (including Russia, Cuba, Serbia, Venezuela, Zimbabwe, Pakistan, and others) expressed support for China “in various forms” (without issuing separate statements like the concerned group). These countries emphasized that Taiwan is “an inseparable part” of China’s territory and that the Taiwan issue is China’s internal affair.

 

China has conducted frequent large-scale drills around the Taiwan Strait since 2022, but this round still stands out in several ways:

 

Stronger and clearer messaging than previous drills. The MND’s statement explicitly targeted Taiwan and “external countries,” whereas earlier announcements often only briefly described activities without the same level of direct criticism or deterrent signaling.

 

A higher level of operational intensity. Some scholars have assessed this as China’s largest drill around Taiwan since 2022. The exercises reportedly entered territorial waters and disrupted international civilian air and sea routes—something earlier drills generally avoided – as well as Taiwan’s maritime and transport links to Kinmen and Matsu. The activities also more clearly showcased China’s A2/AD capabilities aimed at isolating Taiwan.

 

A broader and stronger international response than the earlier Strait Thunder 2025A drill in April 2025. Previously, only the G7 issued an official statement of concern; this time, the United States and multiple countries released separate foreign-ministry–level statements. Is this because of the sharper messaging and larger scale noted above, combined with the recent escalation in diplomatic and on-the-ground tensions between China and Taiwan, the U.S., and key allies/partners (especially Japan) over the past few months?