US Approves $11 Billion Taiwan Arms Package as China Launches Sixth Justice Mission Drill
Updated (2 articles)
Massive US Arms Package Targets Taiwan Defense The United States approved an $11 billion weapons package for Taiwan, the largest in years, covering HIMARS rocket systems, anti‑tank and anti‑armor missiles, loitering drones, howitzers, naval platforms and radar upgrades [1][2]. The deal is intended to strengthen Taiwan’s asymmetric defense and deter Beijing’s coercive actions. Congressional oversight panels noted the package’s timing coincides with heightened PLA activity around the island.
Beijing Conducts Sixth Justice Mission 2025 Drill China began its sixth “Justice Mission 2025” exercise, deploying 130 warplanes and 22 ships in a 24‑hour encirclement of Taiwan, with 90 sorties crossing the median line into Taiwan’s ADIZ [2]. Live‑fire tests occurred in five zones, and 27 rockets were launched from the eastern coast, simulating a blockade of key ports [1][2]. The drills featured coordinated army, navy, air and rocket units, marking the most extensive maneuver since the October 2024 spike.
Washington Issues Direct Restraint Warning to Beijing The State Department issued a New Year’s Day statement urging Beijing to exercise restraint, oppose unilateral changes to the status quo, and pursue dialogue [1]. spokesperson Tommy Pigott warned that China’s rhetoric and military pressure increase regional tensions. President Trump, however, downplayed invasion risk, emphasizing his personal relationship with Xi and asserting that Beijing will not attack soon [1][2].
Taiwan President Condemns Provocations Amid Travel Chaos President Lai Ching‑te denounced China’s provocations, pledging to defend Taiwan’s freedom without escalating tensions [1]. The drills disrupted air travel for more than 100,000 passengers, causing the cancellation of 857 international and 84 domestic flights [2]. Taiwanese officials warned that the exercises threaten global maritime trade and regional peace.
Xi Jinping Leaves Open Possibility of Force by 2027 Xi Jinping reiterated that he has not ruled out using force to achieve unification, while U.S. defense officials assess the PLA could be capable of an operation against Taiwan by the end of 2027 [1]. The statement underscores Beijing’s continued emphasis on “unification” rhetoric alongside its military drills.
Sources
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1.
Newsweek: Trump Administration Warns China Over Taiwan as Beijing Stages New Drills: Details the State Department warning, the $11 billion arms package, the sixth Justice Mission drill, Xi’s force remarks, Lai’s condemnation, and Trump’s downplay of invasion risk .
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2.
CNN: China Stages War Games Around Taiwan After Arms Deal: Reports the Justice Mission‑2025 drills, 130 aircraft and 22 ships deployment, Chinese criticism of the U.S. arms deal, extensive travel disruptions affecting over 100 k travelers, and Trump’s comments on his ties with Xi .
Timeline
2022 – China initiates the Justice Mission series of large‑scale military exercises around Taiwan, simulating blockades and signaling Beijing’s willingness to use force for unification [2].
Oct 2024 – Chinese warplane activity peaks at 153 sorties crossing Taiwan’s median line, setting a record that underscores escalating aerial pressure before the 2025 drills [1].
Dec 29‑30, 2025 – Beijing launches the Justice Mission‑2025 drills, mobilizing army, navy, air and rocket units in five zones encircling Taiwan; 130 warplanes and 22 ships operate in 24 hours, with 90 sorties entering Taiwan’s ADIZ, the second‑largest sortie count after the October 2024 spike [1].
Dec 29‑30, 2025 – China condemns a U.S.–Taiwan arms package worth $11.1 billion that includes HIMARS rockets, anti‑tank missiles, loitering drones and howitzers, calling the deal a violation of sovereignty [1].
Dec 29‑30, 2025 – President Donald Trump downplays invasion risk, touts his personal rapport with Xi Jinping and asserts he does not believe Beijing will attack Taiwan soon [1].
Dec 29‑30, 2025 – Taiwan’s civil aviation authority reports travel disruptions affecting over 100,000 passengers, with 857 international flights impacted and 84 domestic flights canceled due to the drills [1].
Dec 30, 2025 – President Lai Ching‑te issues a statement condemning China’s provocations along the First Island Chain, pledging responsible defense of Taiwan’s freedom without escalating tensions [2].
Jan 1, 2026 – The U.S. State Department issues a New Year’s Day warning, urging Beijing to halt pressure on Taiwan and emphasizing U.S. support for peace, stability and opposition to unilateral changes by force [2].
Jan 1, 2026 – The Trump administration approves an $11 billion arms package for Taiwan, covering missile systems, naval platforms and radar upgrades to strengthen island defenses [2].
Jan 1, 2026 – Beijing commences its sixth round of Justice Mission‑2025 drills since 2022, simulating a blockade of key ports, launching 27 rockets from the eastern coast and placing some missiles closer to the main island than previous exercises [2].
Jan 1, 2026 – Xi Jinping reiterates that he does not rule out the use of force for unification, while U.S. defense officials project that the PLA could be capable of operating against Taiwan by the end of 2027 [2].
Jan 1, 2026 – President Trump repeats his view that Beijing will not invade soon, citing decades of naval exercises and suggesting the latest drills differ only modestly from past activities [2].