China has launched its largest military exercise in more than a year around Taiwan, calling the drills “punishment.”
Just three days after Taiwan’s new president, Lai Ching-de, took office, a “separatist plot for independence” was announced.
The External Reference
The phrase “external reference” likely refers to the United States, Taiwan’s main military supporter. President Joe Biden has repeatedly said the United States will defend the democracy of 23 million people if attacked, while China has vowed to seize Taiwan by force if necessary.
Chinese military exercises are further complicating matters for the new government in Taipei.
Thousands of people took to the streets on Tuesday night as opposition politicians pushed through changes to the law aimed at limiting their powers.
Those demonstrations are expected to resume Friday as lawmakers take next steps toward changes.
Chinese exercises were conducted in the Taiwan Strait. North, south, and east of Taiwan.
China conducting Drills in Taiwan
China’s recent military drills surrounding Taiwan are a multifaceted display of power with several key objectives. China’s military exercises around Taiwan are aimed at demonstrating power in response to Taiwan’s new pro-independence stance.
They warn Taiwan and other countries to back away from independence and remind everyone of China’s military might.
This is a show of force aimed at putting pressure on Taiwan and stopping any movement toward independence.
What does China Claims?
China’s military exercises around Taiwan are aimed at demonstrating power in response to Taiwan’s new pro-independence stance.
They warn Taiwan and other countries to back away from independence and remind everyone of China’s military might.
This is a show of force aimed at putting pressure on Taiwan and stopping any movement toward independence.
Reaction of Taiwan on this Drill
Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-de addressed the nation in a televised statement, pledging to protect Taiwan’s sovereignty and freedom.
He called on the international community to condemn China’s “provocative actions” and uphold the principles of peace and stability in the region.
Taiwan’s military was also mobilized, and fighter jets and warships were deployed to monitor Chinese activities.
What does world think about this?
As tensions rise, the world watches with bated breath. The United States, a key ally of Taiwan, expressed “grave concerns” about the exercise and called for “dialogue and peaceful resolution of cross-strait differences.”
Japan, another regional power with a vested interest in a stable Taiwan Strait, has also called on both sides to show restraint.
The European Union also shared this view and emphasized the importance of a peaceful solution.
What does Future Holds?
It remains unclear how long the exercises will last, but the immediate concern is de-escalation. Back channels between China and the US will be crucial to prevent the situation from spiraling out of control.
The long-term impact of these exercises will depend on how China proceeds.
Will China use this as a springboard to put further pressure on Taiwan, or will it try to use it as leverage in negotiations?
The international community will be watching closely for signs of China’s next moves.
