China Conducts Military Exercises Near Taiwan Amid Rising Tensions
On Tuesday, China initiated a series of military exercises near Taiwan, which Beijing described as a direct warning to the island’s president, Lai Ching-te. This move follows Mr. Lai’s recent characterization of China as a “foreign hostile force.”
According to Senior Colonel Shi Yi, a spokesperson for the People’s Liberation Army command responsible for Taiwan, the exercises would involve Chinese land, naval, air, and missile forces conducting operations that include:
- Approaching close to Taiwan
- Practicing the “seizure of overall control”
- Striking both sea and land targets
- Blockading and controlling key maritime areas and lanes
While China’s military often refrains from specifying the reasons for its drills, this time the motives were clear. Zhu Fenglian, a spokeswoman for the Chinese government’s Taiwan affairs office, stated that these exercises serve as “firm punishment for the Lai Ching-te administration’s rampant ‘pro-independence’ provocations.”
Ms. Zhu specifically referenced a speech delivered by Mr. Lai on March 13, in which he labeled China a “foreign hostile force” and proposed 17 measures aimed at countering the increasing subversion and espionage activities from China. Among these measures were:
- Restoring military tribunals to handle cases involving military personnel engaged in espionage
- Enhancing oversight of cultural, political, and religious exchanges with China
Beijing maintains that Taiwan is part of its territory and has expressed a commitment to eventually integrate the island, potentially using force if necessary. President Lai Ching-te of Taiwan was seen addressing these issues in Taipei last month, where he spoke about the ongoing efforts of Chinese subversion.
Despite the aggressive rhetoric from Beijing, it remains uncertain how long these military exercises will continue or how close they will actually come to Taiwan. Military analysts suggest that the drills seem designed to intimidate Taiwan without escalating into a broader conflict or crisis. Notably, Mr. Lai and his Democratic Progressive Party firmly reject the notion that Taiwan is a part of China, which is a fundamental aspect of Beijing’s claim over the island. Consequently, officials in Beijing have already expressed strong disapproval of Mr. Lai’s recent statements.
