China’s military is conducting large-scale exercises around Taiwan, designed to test its ability to “seize power” over the island, according to the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). The drills, the largest in over a year, come just days after the inauguration of Taiwan’s new president, Lai Ching-te, who has been openly critical of Beijing.
The PLA kicked off the exercises on Thursday, deploying warships and fighter jets around Taiwan and its outlying islands. The drills, which involve joint operations of the army, navy, air force, and rocket force, are taking place in the Taiwan Strait and the waters north, south, and east of Taiwan. For the first time, the exercises also include the China Coast Guard.
Political and Military Context
The drills follow the swearing-in of President Lai, who Beijing labels a “dangerous separatist” due to his advocacy for Taiwan’s sovereignty. His inauguration speech called on China to cease its intimidation tactics, a stance that has exacerbated tensions with Beijing.
China’s ruling Communist Party views Taiwan as part of its territory and has vowed to reclaim the island by force if necessary. President Xi Jinping has emphasized the “inevitable reunification” of Taiwan with the mainland, an assertion that has intensified military activities in the region.
PLA’s Strategic Maneuvers
On Friday, the PLA’s Eastern Theater Command continued the exercises, focusing on testing capabilities to “jointly seize power, launch joint attacks, and occupy key areas.” The drills involve significant military hardware, including mobile artillery and missile systems, though no live fire has been reported.
The Taiwan Defense Ministry has condemned the exercises as “irrational provocations” and has mobilized its own forces in response. Between Thursday and Friday, Taiwan detected 49 Chinese aircraft and 19 warships near the Taiwan Strait.
Domestic Reactions and Implications
Despite the military escalation, life in Taiwan remains largely unaffected, with citizens expressing confidence in their government’s ability to handle the situation. President Lai faces additional challenges domestically, including political opposition and legislative turmoil.
International Reactions and Analysis
The drills are also seen as a message to the international community, particularly the United States, which maintains close but informal ties with Taiwan and supplies it with defensive weapons. Analysts suggest that while these exercises are not an immediate invasion threat, they blur the lines between peace and war, potentially serving as a pretext for future military actions.
China’s ongoing military drills around Taiwan underscore the heightened tensions and complex geopolitical dynamics in the region. As the PLA continues its show of force, the international community watches closely, mindful of the broader implications for regional stability and security.
