China has started its biggest military exercise in a year around Taiwan in response to the inauguration of Taiwan’s new president, Lai Ching-te. The drills, which Beijing describes as “strong punishment” for Taiwan’s “separatist acts,” involve coordinated operations between the army, navy, air force, and rocket force. The exercises come after Lai’s inauguration speech, which China condemned as a “confession of independence.” These drills, focusing on joint sea-air combat-readiness and precision strikes, are seen as a demonstration of China’s readiness to assert its claim over Taiwan, which it considers a breakaway province.
The Taiwanese government has reacted strongly to these maneuvers.Taiwan’s ministry of national defence has dispatched its sea, air, and ground forces to respond to the threat, condemning China’s actions as “irrational provocations” that undermine regional stability. Despite the heightened tensions, Taiwan’s stock market showed resilience, with a slight increase in the benchmark index. Internationally, there is widespread concern over the stability of the Taiwan Strait, a crucial maritime trade route and a hub for semiconductor manufacturing.
Here is all you need to know about these military drills:
Why is China conducting military drills around Taiwan?
The Taiwanese government has reacted strongly to these maneuvers.Taiwan’s ministry of national defence has dispatched its sea, air, and ground forces to respond to the threat, condemning China’s actions as “irrational provocations” that undermine regional stability. Despite the heightened tensions, Taiwan’s stock market showed resilience, with a slight increase in the benchmark index. Internationally, there is widespread concern over the stability of the Taiwan Strait, a crucial maritime trade route and a hub for semiconductor manufacturing.
Here is all you need to know about these military drills:
Why is China conducting military drills around Taiwan?
- China’s military drills are a direct response to what it perceives as “separatist acts” by Taiwan, particularly following the inauguration of Lai Ching-te as Taiwan’s new president. Beijing views Lai’s pro-independence stance as a threat to its claim over Taiwan, which it considers a part of its territory. The exercises are intended as a “strong punishment” and a “stern warning” against both Taiwanese independence forces and external forces supporting Taiwan.
What do these military drills involve?
- The drills include joint sea-air combat-readiness patrols, precision strikes on key targets, and integrated operations around Taiwan and its outlying islands such as Kinmen, Matsu, Wuqiu, and Dongyin. The exercises involve multiple branches of the Chinese military, including the army, navy, air force, and rocket force. The objective is to test and showcase the actual joint combat capabilities of the forces.
- Song Zhongping, a mainland military commentator and former
PLA instructor, told the South China Morning Post that the PLA is utilizing the drills to rehearse a “blockade” of Taiwan. “It is a warning to Lai,” Song mentioned. “It is not the first time the PLA did so, but this time it is more severe,” he added.
How has Taiwan responded to these drills?
- Taiwan has mobilized its sea, air, and ground forces in response to the drills. The ministry of national defence condemned the exercises, calling them “irrational provocations” that threaten regional peace and stability. Taiwan assured its citizens that it is prepared to defend its freedom, democracy, and sovereignty. A senior Taiwanese official noted that the government has a “comprehensive grasp” of Chinese military movements and had anticipated this scenario.
Have there been similar drills in the past?
- Yes, China has conducted similar military drills in the past, often triggered by interactions between Taiwan and the United States. For instance, in August 2022, China launched extensive military exercises around Taiwan following a visit by then-US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. These exercises are part of a pattern where Beijing responds to what it sees as challenges to its sovereignty over Taiwan with displays of military might.
What are the political implications of these drills for Taiwan’s new president, Lai Ching-te?
- The drills increase pressure on President Lai, who has taken a strong pro-independence stance. His inauguration speech, which emphasized Taiwan’s sovereignty and democratic values, was seen by Beijing as a direct challenge. Lai’s leadership now faces the dual challenge of managing Taiwan’s defense and navigating the heightened political and military tensions with China. Additionally, domestic opposition lawmakers are pushing for changes to Taiwan’s laws that could limit the powers of the new government, further complicating Lai’s position.
What has been the international reaction to these events?
- There is significant international concern over the stability of the Taiwan Strait, a critical maritime trade route and a key player in the global tech industry, particularly in semiconductor manufacturing. Countries around the world have urged restraint and dialogue to resolve the tensions peacefully. The drills have also sparked fears of a potential invasion or heightened military conflict in the region.
(With inputs from agencies)