Tensions between Japan and China have heightened once again as Japan recently accused a Chinese aircraft carrier of conducting air operations close to its islands. The incident, which took place in the East China Sea, has fueled concerns about a potential military clash between the two Asian powers. As the world watches closely, Japan’s response to this incident could set a new precedent in the increasingly fraught relations between China and Japan.
On Monday, the Chinese military simulated air and sea strikes on neighbouring Taiwan while China’s Shandong aircraft carrier conducted air operations in waters near Japan’s Okinawan islands. The defence ministry of Japan reported that the carrier, along with three other warships and a support vessel, came to within 230 kilometres of Japan’s Miyako Island, with jet fighters and helicopters taking off and landing on the carrier 120 times between Friday and Sunday. China carried out a simulated “sealing off” of Taiwan in maritime drills on Monday, according to military statements. State broadcaster CCTV also reported that dozens of planes practised an “aerial blockade” of the self-ruled island. The US Navy conducted a “freedom of navigation” operation on Monday as its guided-missile destroyer, the USS Milius sailed through waters claimed by Beijing in the South China Sea, passing near the Spratly Islands.
China’s war games come after a meeting between Taiwanese president Tsai Ing-wen and United States House Speaker Kevin McCarthy last week outside Los Angeles, where the exercises sparked condemnation from Taiwan and calls for restraint from Washington, which said it was “monitoring Beijing’s actions closely.” During Monday’s exercise, Beijing fighter jets carrying “live ammunition” conducted “simulated strikes” near Taiwan, and China’s Shandong aircraft carrier was involved in the ongoing exercises.
China considers Taiwan a “renegade province” and has vowed to unify the territory with the mainlaind, by force if necessary. It has thus regarded Taiwan with hostility since President Tsai Ing-wen, who favours greater autonomy from China, was elected in 2016. Furthermore, Beijing has continuously warned foreign countries not to interfere with its “internal affairs,” and has been conducting naval drills in the South China Sea, an area where China has territorial disputes with several nations.
The US, Japan, and other countries have grown concerned about China’s aggressive behaviour toward Taiwan and its territorial claims in the region. Under its Indo-Pacific strategy, the US has been elevating its engagement with Taiwan and conducting freedom of navigation operations in the contested waters. Last month, the US approved the sale of $2.2bn worth of arms to Taiwan, despite opposition from China.
Analysts have remarked that the war games in Taiwan and the South China Sea are a response to the US and its allies’ efforts to contain China. The exercises also come ahead of the Chinese Communist Party’s 70th anniversary of taking power on 1 October. Beijing is likely to use the milestone to showcase its assertiveness and military prowess in the region.
Moreover, the simulations come at a time when China is experiencing domestic unrest. Protests continue to grip Hong Kong, a semi-autonomous region of China, which has united under the common call for greater accountability and democracy. The demonstrations are currently in their 14th consecutive week, and the Chinese government has accused the US of fuelling the unrest.
In conclusion, China’s military exercises in Taiwan and the South China Sea are likely to exacerbate tensions in the region. The US and its allies need to respond to the situation with caution, as China may respond with similar aggression to any perceived threats. The ongoing protests in Hong Kong also add further uncertainty to the situation, and it remains to see how the demonstrations will influence China’s foreign policy in the region.
