As a show of strength and a warning to “external meddling” forces, China held massive military maneuvers near the island of Taiwan on Monday (local time), which were expected to have an impact on over 100,000 foreign travelers. Beijing has described this action as a “stern message” against foreign and separatist elements that do not acknowledge its authority over the tiny island country.
China Holds Military Drills Near Taiwan
According to an Associated Press article, Taiwan has now referred to the Chinese government as the “greatest killer of peace”. According to Taipei, more than 100,000 foreign visitors would be impacted by the massive Chinese military exercises.
China Views the United States and Japan as Threats
The United States and Japan are the two “external” powers that Beijing is not fond of for meddling in the China-Taiwan crisis.
The US weaponry supplies to Taiwan have angered Beijing. Only last week, after Washington’s announcement of a $10 billion weapons sale package to Taipei, it sanctioned 20 US firms and 10 defense-related people. This deal would be the biggest US arms transfer to the self-governing island in history if the US Congress approves it.
Japan Issues Warning Amid Tensions
However, Japan’s prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, said that if China takes any action against Taiwan, the Japanese military may intervene.
However, China made no mention of the United States or Japan in its Monday morning statement.
Taiwan’s Reaction to Chinese Maneuvers
Following the Chinese military maneuvers, Taiwan’s Defense Ministry stated in a statement on X on Monday morning that quick reaction exercises were in progress. Taiwan disclosed in another statement that the necessary troops were in place and that they were practicing for battle preparedness.
According to AP, the ministry said, “The Chinese Communist Party’s targeted military drills further show its identity as an aggressor and the largest killer of peace.”
Taiwan Warns of Complex Challenges
When asked about the drills on Tuesday, Hsieh Jih-sheng, deputy chief of the general staff for intelligence at Taiwan’s defense ministry, told reporters, “Conducting live-fire exercises around the Taiwan Strait … would not only constitute military pressure on us, but could also pose more complex challenges and impacts for the international community and neighbouring countries,” according to a Reuters report.
Jih-sheng said, “Our military forces must consider every possibility and act on the premise of preparing for the worst.”
Taiwan Demonstrates Military Readiness
Taiwan’s Defense Ministry issued a film showcasing its military troops and weaponry in an act of defiance. At an air force installation, several French Mirage-2000 aircraft made landings.
Information on the Chinese Exercises
Senior Col. Shi Yi, a spokesman for the People’s Liberation Army of China’s Eastern Theater Command, said that the exercises would take place in the Taiwan Strait as well as regions north, southeast, and southwest of the island.
According to Shi, the actions would include blockades on important ports, “joint seizing of comprehensive superiority,” and battle readiness patrols in the air and water. The leadership has said that “all-dimensional deterrence beyond the island chain” would be the aim of this first major exercise.
According to AP, Shi said, “It is a lawful and essential move to preserve China’s sovereignty and national unity, and it is a severe message to ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist forces and foreign intervention forces.”
China Prioritizes Port Cities
The Chinese military published a variety of propaganda posters, one of which shows targets locking on four distinct areas in Taiwan.
Sealing off the vital deep-water ports of Keelung in Taiwan’s north and Kaohsiung in its south would be the main goal of the military drills, according to China’s national TV. The island’s biggest port city is Kaohsiung. One billboard depicts China mobilizing an armada of civilian ships to assault Taiwan. Since these ships have open decks and ramps, it is possible that an amphibious attack may occur.
