China Conducts Military Drills Around Taiwan as 'Punishment' for 'Separatist Acts'
China has escalated tensions in the Taiwan Strait by launching large-scale military exercises surrounding the self-ruled island of Taiwan. The drills, which began on Thursday and will encircle the island for two days, are described by Beijing as "punishment" for what it calls "separatist acts" after Taiwan swore in its new democratically elected president, William Lai.
The Chinese military's drills pose the first significant challenge for President Lai as he navigates the delicate relationship with China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory despite never having controlled it. Beijing has vowed to take the island by force if necessary, while Taiwan's government and people reject the prospect of Chinese rule.
Beijing's Show of Force
The inauguration of President Lai, who called on China to stop threatening Taiwan and accept its democracy, appears to have prompted Beijing's show of force. The drills are aimed at testing the Chinese military's "joint real combat capabilities," according to the People's Liberation Army (PLA).
Taiwan's defense ministry condemned the Chinese exercises as "irrational provocations" and dispatched naval, air, and ground forces to defend the island's sovereignty. The PLA's drills focus on joint sea-air combat-readiness patrols, precision strikes on key targets, and integrated operations inside and outside the island.
Simulating an Invasion
Experts suggest that the ongoing exercise simulates a full-scale armed invasion of Taiwan, with China rehearsing encircling the island with fighter jets and navy ships over the past year. The drills are also said to be testing the PLA's ability to "seize power" and occupy key areas of Taiwan.
The 'One-China' Principle
China's ruling Communist Party has not ruled out the use of force to annex Taiwan, which it claims as part of its territory under its "one-China" principle. However, Taiwan's government and people firmly reject Chinese rule and have embraced democracy, further fueling tensions across the Taiwan Strait.
As President Lai takes office, he faces the daunting task of managing relations with China while upholding Taiwan's sovereignty and democratic values. The ongoing military drills by Beijing highlight the high stakes and the potential for further escalation in the long-standing dispute over Taiwan's status.