In a significant display of military might, China conducted a live-firing exercise from its territory nearest to Taiwan, just one week following a comprehensive drill that encircled the island.
In recent years, the Chinese military has ramped up its drills off the coast of Taiwan, reflecting an escalation in its claims over the self-governed island.
On Monday evening, Beijing revealed plans to close a region surrounding Niushan, an island located 105 kilometers (66 miles) from Taiwan, for military drills. The closure will last four hours, beginning at 09:00 local time (01:00 GMT) on Tuesday.
Taiwan’s Premier Cho Jung-tai expressed concerns on Tuesday regarding China’s military exercises, stating that they pose a significant threat to regional stability.
“Regardless of the size of the drill, it should not occur frequently or in close proximity to Taiwan,” he stated to the press. “Such actions are likely to create avoidable friction.”
While Taipei has characterized the drills as routine, analysts suggest that China may be conveying a significant message due to their proximity to Taiwan.
The exercises form a component of a broader campaign characterized by the frequent incursions of Chinese ships and planes into Taiwanese territory and airspace. This strategy is a tactic of grey zone warfare aimed at normalizing such incursions and gradually undermining Taiwan over an extended timeframe.
In response to the escalating Chinese drills, Taiwan’s allies, particularly the United States, have ramped up their military maneuvers.
For many years, the US Pacific fleet stood as the sole foreign navy consistently navigating the Taiwan Strait, which divides the two sides, to demonstrate its commitment to freedom of navigation.
Recently, several US allies, including Canada, Germany, Australia, and Japan, have begun participating in these patrols, which are categorized as “high-visibility” operations.
Over the weekend, the United States and Canada conducted a naval operation, sailing their warships through the waters.
Experts indicate that this marks a notable increase in communication between China and the United States. As Beijing underscores its assertions regarding Taiwan, Washington is unequivocally reaffirming its support for the island.
A US official has informed the BBC that Washington is eager to reduce tensions with Beijing, particularly given the US’s current focus on conflicts in the Middle East and Europe.
The official indicated that the more significant long-term threat to the United States continues to stem from China.
On Monday, Beijing executed a significant military maneuver, deploying a historic total of 153 aircraft alongside warships and coast guard vessels to surround Taiwan. This exercise aimed to replicate a comprehensive assault involving land, sea, and air forces.
This statement followed Taiwanese President William Lai’s National Day address on October 10, during which he vowed to “resist annexation or encroachment upon [Taiwan’s] sovereignty.”
In a recent statement, he emphasized that China and Taiwan are “not subordinate to each other,” asserting that China “has no right to represent Taiwan.”
China has consistently asserted its willingness to use military force to assert control over Taiwan if deemed necessary. Lai has been perceived for some time as a “troublemaker” promoting the cause of Taiwan’s independence.
