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| China has called its drills around Taiwan a "strong punishment" for "separatist acts |
China has commenced two days of military exercises around Taiwan, labeling them as "strong punishment" for the island's "separatist acts." These drills follow the inauguration of President William Lai, who urged China to cease its threats and acknowledge Taiwan's democracy.
China views Taiwan as a breakaway province destined to come under Beijing's control, while Taiwan considers itself a distinct entity. Taiwan's defense ministry condemned the exercises as "irrational provocations," deploying naval, air, and ground forces to "defend the island's sovereignty."
For the first time, the exercises simulated a full-scale attack rather than an economic blockade, according to Taiwanese military experts. The drills surrounded the main island and targeted the Taipei-controlled islands of Kinmen, Matsu, Wuqiu, and Dongyin, close to the Chinese coast. Additionally, the exercises included components to the east of Taiwan, an area fortified with substantial military infrastructure, including an underground airbase near Hualien. This region is crucial for resupply routes and proximity to Japan’s southern islands.
China’s naval and air patrols to the east aim to demonstrate Taiwan's vulnerability to attack and warn the U.S. that resupplying Taiwan from this direction is susceptible to Chinese strikes. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) stated that the drills focused on joint sea-air combat readiness, precision strikes, and integrated operations to test "joint real combat capabilities."
Taiwanese media quoted military expert Chieh Chung, who indicated that the exercises simulate a full-scale invasion. Over the past year, China has frequently rehearsed encircling Taiwan with fighter jets and navy ships, with an increase in incursions noted before Lai's inauguration. The PLA's first “encirclement” operation occurred in August 2022 after a visit by then-U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, simulating a blockade of Taiwan with ships, aircraft, and missile strikes.
The PLA described the current drills as a "strong punishment for the separatist acts of Taiwan independence forces" and a warning against external interference. China's foreign ministry defended the drills as a "necessary and legitimate move" to safeguard national sovereignty, reiterating that Taiwan is an "inalienable part of China's territory" and that "Taiwan independence is doomed to fail."
President Lai, in his inauguration speech, urged China to stop threatening Taiwan, a statement Beijing denounced, calling Lai "disgraceful." Beijing previously labeled Lai a "separatist" and "troublemaker" for his pro-independence stance.
Taiwan's defense ministry criticized the drills as evidence of Beijing's "militaristic mentality," highlighting the harm caused by Chinese harassment to global peace and stability. Taiwan’s presidential office expressed regret over China's unilateral military provocations, affirming Taiwan's commitment to cross-strait peace. The Mainland Affairs Council noted that Beijing's intimidation tactics will not sway public opinion.
Despite the tensions, China and Taiwan maintain trade relations, although formal communication channels have ceased. Most countries recognize China's government rather than Taiwan's. Under Xi Jinping, China's claims over Taiwan have grown more assertive, with repeated declarations that "reunification" will occur.
China's military maneuvers around Taiwan remain within a grey zone, falling short of invasion but aiming to weaken Taiwan over time. Analysts suggest that this strategy aligns with China's long-term goal of subduing Taiwan.
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### China and Taiwan: Key Points
- **Why do China and Taiwan have poor relations?**
- China views Taiwan as part of its territory, advocating for reunification, potentially by force. Taiwan, however, sees itself as a distinct entity.
- **How is Taiwan governed?**
- Taiwan has its own constitution, democratically elected leaders, and approximately 300,000 active troops.
- **Who recognizes Taiwan?**
- Few countries officially recognize Taiwan, with most recognizing the Chinese government in Beijing. The U.S. maintains unofficial ties with Taiwan and is legally required to provide defensive support.
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