China Initiates New Live Fire Drills Near Taiwan

Another Round of Drills by China's Military

A week after China's military conducted massive encircling drills around Taiwan, which were described as 'record-setting' in international press reports, a new round of smaller drills started on Tuesday. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China is conducting these 'live fire' exercises in the disputed Taiwan Strait. The exercises are scheduled to last for four hours and are taking place around China’s Niushan Island.

Location and Timing of the Drills

Niushan Island holds strategic importance as it is the closest point between China's coast and Taiwan, lying about 66 miles from the self-ruled island. The timing of these drills is significant as they come just two days after the US and Canada each sent a warship through the Taiwan Strait on Sunday.

US and Canada's Involvement

The US Navy’s Seventh Fleet previously stated that the guided-missile destroyer USS Higgins sailed alongside the Canadian frigate HMCS Vancouver as part of joint freedom of navigation exercises. Chinese warships monitored the pair, with the PLA claiming that the Western vessels "disturbed the situation and undermined peace and stability."

Taiwan's Reaction to the Drills

Taiwan's premier, Cho Jung-tai, dismissed the new PLA exercises as a pointless threat. He stated that regardless of the scale of the exercises, such frequent and close displays near Taiwan were unnecessary and only caused sudden and unwarranted tension.

China's Previous Military Exercise

Last Monday, China's one-day military exercise was reportedly aimed at "sealing off key ports and key areas" of Taiwan. Despite its short duration, the exercise was massive in terms of total Chinese assets deployed, with reports indicating that 153 aircraft, 14 navy vessels, and 12 other government ships were sent simultaneously.

Chinese President's Call for War Preparedness

Chinese President Xi Jinping recently urged the military to "comprehensively strengthen training and preparation for war, and ensure troops have solid combat capabilities," according to CCTV. He added that soldiers must "enhance their strategic deterrent and combat capability." Xi, often seen visiting troop training facilities in military fatigues, issues such a call for 'greater preparedness' for war about once a year, generating similar global headlines each time.

US Support to Taiwan

In September, President Biden approved a $567 million arms package for Taiwan. Over the decades, the US has invested billions in Taiwan. Both presidential candidates have pledged to continue strong US support to Taiwan, indicating that Washington's policy in the Pacific region is unlikely to change significantly, regardless of who takes office.

Bottom Line

As tensions rise in the Pacific region, the world watches China's military maneuvers with apprehension. The recent live fire drills near Taiwan, coming on the heels of a US and Canada warship passage through the Taiwan Strait, are indicative of the strategic importance of this region. What are your thoughts on these developments? Share this article with your friends and discuss the implications of these military exercises. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is available every day at 6pm.