In recent years, tensions between China and Taiwan have continued to escalate, with Beijing refusing to acknowledge the island nation as an independent state. As a result, China has been using military exercises as a means of flexing its military prowess and threatening Taiwan. Recently, China staged its second day of military drills, simulating a strike on Taiwan. The situation continues to cause concern among the international community and may have significant implications for the region’s stability.
China has recently conducted military drills near Taiwan and made several provocative moves, raising tensions in the region. The Chinese government claims that the exercises are routine and intended to maintain security and stability in the Taiwan Strait. However, many see them as a clear message to Taiwan and the international community that China is willing to use force to reunify with the island.
The latest drills took place on 9 and 10 April and involved simulating an attack on Taiwan. China’s navy deployed a carrier strike group, including the Liaoning, its only operational aircraft carrier, to waters near Taiwan. The Chinese air force also sent a large number of fighters and bombers to conduct patrols over the waters and airspace around the island. China’s defence ministry stated that the exercises were meant to test the military’s combat readiness and enhance the ability to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Taiwan denounced the drills as provocative and a serious threat to regional peace and stability. The island’s defence ministry said that it was closely monitoring the situation and that its armed forces were prepared to respond to any provocations. Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen called on China to exercise restraint and join hands with Taiwan to maintain regional stability. She also reaffirmed Taiwan’s determination to defend its democracy and freedom.
The United States also expressed concern over China’s military activities near Taiwan. The US State Department issued a statement condemning the Chinese drills and stating that they were inconsistent with Beijing’s commitment to peaceful resolution of cross-Strait issues. The US warned China to refrain from using force or coercion to alter the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. The statement reiterated the US’s support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organisations and its desire for a peaceful and prosperous future for all in the region.
China sees Taiwan as a breakaway province that must be reunited with the mainland, by force if necessary. Taiwan, on the other hand, regards itself as a sovereign state with its own government, military, and constitution. The relationship between the two sides has been strained since Taiwan split from China in 1949 at the end of a civil war. China has since then increased pressure on Taiwan diplomatically, economically, and militarily, including threatening to use force to reunite with the island.
Taiwan has been seeking to strengthen ties with the US, Japan, and other countries in the region to counter China’s growing influence. The US, in particular, has increased its support for Taiwan in recent years, including through arms sales and high-level visits. Taiwan’s successful handling of the COVID-19 pandemic has also raised its international profile and garnered praise from many countries.
China’s recent military drills near Taiwan signal its determination to keep up the pressure on the island and its allies. The situation remains tense and could easily escalate if either side misjudges the other’s intentions. The international community needs to continue to play an active role in promoting peace and stability in the region and support Taiwan’s right to determine its own future.
