China Conducts Massive Military Exercises Around Taiwan
On Monday, China initiated large-scale military exercises around Taiwan, a move that Taipei has criticized as an "unreasonable provocation". The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) deployed warships and fighter jets in a "stern warning" against "separatist acts of Taiwan independence forces".
Joint Military Operations by PLA
The PLA Eastern Theater Command launched joint operations involving the army, navy, air force, and rocket force. These forces were primarily concentrated in the Taiwan Strait and surrounding Taiwan. "The joint drills focused on sea and air combat readiness, blockading key Taiwanese ports and areas, and assaults on maritime and ground targets," said the spokesperson for the eastern theatre command, senior captain Li Xi.
Li Xi added that the drill also serves as a stern warning to the separatist acts of ‘Taiwan independence’ forces. The last time drills of this magnitude took place was shortly after the May 20th inauguration of Taiwan's new president, Lai Ching-te.
China's "Prepared for Battle" Propaganda Video
Prior to the recent drills, China's military released a propaganda video titled "prepared for battle" on various social media platforms. The video, which lasts about a minute, features fighter jets, warships, and amphibious assault vessels near Taiwan. Mobile rocket launchers are also seen being prepared for attacks. The video's associated text stated that Chinese forces are "prepared for battle at all times and can fight anytime."
On Sunday, Taiwan’s Defense Ministry confirmed that the Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning entered waters near the strategic Bashi Channel south of Taiwan.
China's Warning to Taiwan
China's Defense Ministry has also warned that PLA military actions will escalate with each provocation of Taiwan independence until the issue is completely resolved. This suggests that more military actions are likely in the coming months.
Analysts cited by CNN have said that Monday’s drills seemed less intense than previous ones but were part of a broader strategy of keeping Taiwan under pressure and normalizing regular war games.
Taiwan's Response to China's Military Drills
In response to the drills, Taiwan’s presidential office urged China to "cease military provocations that undermine regional peace and stability, and stop threatening Taiwan’s democracy and freedom."
President Lai has convened national security meetings to monitor and address the provocative war exercises. "In the face of external threats, I would like to reassure my compatriots that the government will continue to defend the democratic and free constitutional system, protect democratic Taiwan, and safeguard national security," Lai stated on social media.
Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council also criticized the "blatant provocations" which harm regional peace and stability. Taiwan's military has in response deployed its own warships and fighter aircraft, as well as land-based radar systems. However, this is unlikely to deter continuing support from the United States and Western partners, a fact that continues to infuriate China.
Bottom Line
This latest round of military drills by China around Taiwan is a clear sign of escalating tensions in the region. It raises questions about the future of Taiwan's independence and the potential for conflict between China and Taiwan. What are your thoughts on this situation? Do you think it could escalate into a larger conflict? Please share this article with your friends and sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6 pm.
