Beijing intensifies military exercises around Taiwan, marking a significant escalation in cross-strait tensions following the inauguration of President William Lai.
China has launched two days of intensive military exercises around Taiwan, labeling them a “strong punishment” for the island’s “separatist acts.” The drills come just three days after the inauguration of Taiwan’s President William Lai, who had urged China to cease its threats and recognize Taiwan’s democracy.
Beijing views Taiwan as a breakaway province destined for eventual reunification with the mainland, while Taiwan maintains it is a distinct entity. The exercises have drawn condemnation from Taiwan’s defense ministry, which denounced them as “irrational provocations.” In response, Taiwan has mobilized its naval, air, and ground forces to safeguard its sovereignty.
Thursday’s drills marked a notable escalation, simulating a full-scale attack rather than an economic blockade, according to Taiwanese military experts. The exercises encircled the main island and, for the first time, targeted the Taipei-controlled islands of Kinmen, Matsu, Wuqiu, and Dongyin, which are near the Chinese coast. Additionally, the drills included operations to the east of Taiwan, an area that has long served as a military stronghold due to its rugged terrain and strategic position near Japan’s southern islands.
China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) emphasized that the drills aimed to test “joint real combat capabilities” through sea-air combat-readiness patrols, precision strikes on key targets, and integrated operations. The PLA’s maneuvers demonstrate China’s ability to threaten Taiwan’s eastern defenses and signal to the United States that resupply routes to Taiwan are vulnerable to Chinese missile strikes and naval attacks.
Military expert Chieh Chung noted that the ongoing exercises appear to be rehearsals for a potential full-scale invasion. Over the past year, China has frequently conducted operations to encircle Taiwan, escalating incursions into its waters and airspace, particularly around significant political events like President Lai’s inauguration.
The PLA first simulated an encirclement in August 2022, following a visit by then US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. This operation involved simulating a blockade with ships, aircraft, and missile strikes around Taiwan. The current drills, according to the PLA, serve as a “strong punishment” for Taiwan’s independence efforts and a warning against external interference.
China’s foreign ministry defended the drills as necessary to protect national sovereignty, reiterating that “Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory.” Spokesman Wang Wenbin stressed that Taiwan’s independence is “doomed to fail.”
President Lai, in his inauguration speech, called for an end to China’s threats. Beijing, however, dismissed his appeal, with Foreign Minister Wang Yi labeling Lai “disgraceful.” Following Lai’s election victory in January, Beijing restated its position that Taiwan is part of China, refusing Lai’s offers for dialogue and branding him a “separatist” for his pro-independence stance.
Taiwan’s defense ministry criticized Beijing’s militaristic approach, highlighting the detrimental impact of continuous Chinese military harassment on global peace and stability. The presidential office expressed regret over China’s unilateral military provocations, while the Mainland Affairs Council urged Beijing to recognize that intimidation will not sway Taiwan’s determination for peace.
Despite the absence of formal communication channels and limited diplomatic recognition, China and Taiwan remain trading partners. Analysts note that under President Xi Jinping, China’s assertions over Taiwan have intensified, with Xi affirming that reunification will occur.
Although China’s military activities around Taiwan have stopped short of an outright invasion, they persist within a grey zone of conflict. Analysts suggest that this strategy aims to gradually weaken Taiwan, a tactic China continues to employ.
(Associated Medias) – All rights reserved
