How China's Port Blockade Drills Could Disrupt Asia-Pacific Air Traffic

December 29, 2025 at 04:58 AM•3 min read

China's "Justice Mission 2025" military drills simulating a Taiwan port blockade threaten to disrupt Asia-Pacific air traffic and regional commercial aviation news operations.

Key Points

1China's "Justice Mission 2025" drills simulate a blockade of key Taiwan ports, including Keelung and Kaohsiung.
2Five restricted sea and airspace zones are in effect for 10 hours on Tuesday, December 30, requiring commercial flight path rerouting.
3The exercises threaten to disrupt Asia-Pacific air traffic and could cause delays at major hubs like Taoyuan International Airport.
4The PLA deployed army, navy, air force, and rocket force units, testing joint combat readiness and "all-dimensional deterrence."

China's military has launched large-scale, live-fire drills around Taiwan. The exercises simulate a Taiwan port blockade on the self-ruled island. Taipei quickly condemned the maneuvers as "military intimidation."

Beijing views Taiwan as its sovereign territory. It refuses to rule out using military force to take control. The latest show of force follows a major US arms sale to Taipei.

Justice Mission 2025: Blockade Simulation Details

The drills are code-named "Justice Mission 2025." They involve the army, navy, air force, and rocket force. Destroyers, frigates, fighters, bombers, and drones are deployed.

The main focus is on a "blockade on key ports and areas." State broadcaster CCTV reported the targets include Keelung and Kaohsiung. These are Taiwan's vital deep-water ports.

Senior Colonel Shi Yi of the People's Liberation Army's (PLA) Eastern Theater Command stated the goal. The activities test joint seizure of comprehensive superiority. They also provide "all-dimensional deterrence."

Chinese authorities published a map of five large zones. These areas around Taiwan face sea and airspace restrictions. Live-fire activities are scheduled for Tuesday between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm. Officials advised any irrelevant vessel or aircraft not to enter.

Commercial Aviation and Airspace Impact

The restricted zones pose a direct challenge to commercial aviation impact. The Taiwan Strait airspace is a crucial corridor for Asia-Pacific air traffic. Major routes between Southeast Asia and Northeast Asia are affected.

Past large-scale drills have forced airlines to implement flight path rerouting. Carriers like Korean Air and Singapore Airlines have cancelled flights. Other airlines, including EVA Airways Corp, rerouted around the zones.

Disruption impacts major Taiwanese hubs. The Civil Aviation Administration (CAA) has warned of possible delays. Airports like Taoyuan International Airport could see disruptions. This adds flying time and increases fuel burn for operators of aircraft like those from Airbus.

Industry Concerns and Precedents

Industry cooperative OPSGROUP noted the impact. While the affected area is relatively small, it hampers regional travel. The exercises blur the line between training and explicit rehearsal. This increases the geopolitical risk premium for the region.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) monitors such events. Maintaining safe access to international airspace is paramount. Taiwan's military has established a response center. They have deployed "appropriate forces" for a rapid response exercise.

Taiwan's government called the drills a "disregard for international norms." They said the PLA is the "greatest destroyer of peace." For more updates on regional aviation news, visit flying.flights.

The drills are a "stern warning" against 'Taiwan Independence' forces, Shi Yi said.
China last conducted large-scale exercises around Taiwan in April.
Beijing announced fresh sanctions on 20 American defense companies last week.