China Holds Military Drills Around Taiwan as Warning to ‘Separatist Forces’
China is conducting military drills around Taiwan, simulating the seizure and blockade of key areas on the island. These exercises serve as a stern warning to what Beijing refers to as separatist forces. Key details include:
– Military Mobilization: The exercises involve the army, navy, air force, and rocket force, complete with live-fire drills.
– Operation Justice Mission 2025: Codenamed Justice Mission 2025, the drills commenced shortly after the U.S. announced a substantial $11 billion (£8.2 billion) arms sale to Taiwan, prompting sharp condemnation from Beijing.
– Conflict with Taiwan: China’s stance remains that Taiwan is an integral part of its territory. The island’s efforts to bolster its defense capabilities this year have further inflamed tensions with Beijing.
Taiwan’s presidential office has denounced the forthcoming drills as a direct challenge to international norms. Concurrently, Taiwan’s defense ministry reported tracking 89 Chinese military aircraft and 28 naval vessels near its waters. To ensure readiness, the ministry has activated its missile systems and is maintaining heightened vigilance to protect its people.
Chinese Military’s Messaging
In a statement on Weibo, the Eastern Theater Command, responsible for operations in the Taiwan Strait, characterized the upcoming exercises as a shield of justice. The statement ominously noted, All those plotting independence will be annihilated upon encountering the shield!
– Drill Schedule: Initial drills began recently, with a major exercise planned for Tuesday from 08:00 to 18:00 local time.
– Warnings from Beijing: China’s foreign ministry referred to the drills as severe punishment for separatist forces seeking independence through force, cautioning against external forces attempting to use Taiwan as leverage against China.
Taiwan’s Position on Independence
While China calls for peaceful reunification with Taiwan, it also maintains a law that permits non-peaceful means to prevent Taiwan’s separation. Beijing has accused Taiwan’s president, Lai Ching-te, of pushing for independence, though Lai insists that Taiwan is already a sovereign nation that need not make such a declaration.
In a recent television interview, Lai emphasized the need for Taiwan to keep raising the difficulty so that China can never successfully invade. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to maintaining the status quo while asserting that peace relies on real strength.
Public Sentiment in Taiwan
Polls consistently reveal that most Taiwanese citizens prefer maintaining the current status, avoiding both unification with China and a formal independence declaration.
– Impact on Transportation: Taiwan’s transport ministry announced that both international and domestic flights would be rerouted away from the exercise zones, potentially affecting over 100,000 travelers.
Increasing Military Activity
Since 2022, Beijing has intensified its military operations in the Taiwan Strait, reacting to perceived threats, including previous U.S. engagements and significant political events in Taiwan. The last live-fire exercise, held in April, focused on simulated strikes against critical ports and energy sites.
Additionally, this week’s drills mark the first under Yang Zhibin, the newly appointed chief of the Eastern Theater Command.
Taiwan’s Countermeasures
In response to the escalating threats, Taiwan has also conducted military exercises to prepare its population for potential attacks while showcasing its defensive capabilities. The recent Han Kuang exercise was noted as the largest and longest to date.
Taiwan’s administration under Lai is pushing for increased defense spending and development of advanced military systems, including a new dome-like air defense system intended to counter hostile threats, although it stops short of naming China directly.
Broader Implications of Tensions
The drills not only aim to deter forces around Taiwan but also extend their reach beyond the island chain. Recent tensions with Japan have also risen after discussions about Japan’s potential military assistance in the event of a Chinese assault on Taiwan.
With China’s relationship with Japan deteriorating, Beijing has issued warnings to its citizens about traveling there.
These military drills represent a complex web of regional tensions, illustrating the continued struggle between China and Taiwan amid shifts in international relations and defense strategies.