China fires rockets in second day of drills around Taiwan military

China on Tuesday carried out live-fire rocket launches as part of the second day of its military drills around Taiwan, with the People’s Liberation Army expanding the scope of operations across air and maritime domains. The exercises, conducted under the PLA Eastern Theater Command, involved long-range firepower and were framed by Beijing as a warning against separatist activity and foreign involvement in the Taiwan Strait.

Live-fire activity and operational scope

PLA ground forces fired rockets during drills in waters north of Taiwan, while additional maneuvers were staged to the north and south of the island. According to Chinese military statements, naval destroyers, frigates, fighter jets and bombers practiced simulated strikes on maritime targets alongside anti-air and anti-submarine operations, testing sea–air coordination and integrated blockade capabilities.

Taiwan reports extensive PLA presence

Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said the effects of the live-fire activity were detected within the island’s 24-nautical-mile zone and reported a significant PLA deployment around Taiwan. By early Tuesday, authorities said 130 military aircraft, 14 naval vessels and eight official ships were operating nearby, with most air sorties crossing the median line and entering multiple air defense identification zones.

Political messages and regional impact

Taiwanese leader William Lai Ching-te said Taipei “will not provoke a confrontation, nor seek conflict with China,” while criticizing Beijing for escalating tensions. Defense officials warned that the drills disrupted civilian air traffic, with hundreds of flights affected, and described Chinese drone activity over Taipei as psychological pressure. Beijing, meanwhile, said the “Justice Mission 2025” drills were a necessary deterrent to defend sovereignty, developments followed closely across the region, including by Türkiye.