China to Conduct Military Drills Around Taiwan Amid Rising Tensions

China has announced plans to carry out military exercises in the vicinity of Taiwan, simulating scenarios that involve seizing and blockading critical areas of the island. This move serves as a stern warning to what China describes as “separatist forces” in Taiwan.

Details of the Upcoming Drills

Scheduled for Tuesday, these drills are expected to involve the deployment of various branches of the military, including the army, navy, air force, and rocket units, alongside live-fire exercises. The operation has been dubbed “Justice Mission 2025” and follows the recent announcement from the United States regarding an $11 billion arms package for Taiwan. This significant military support has drawn sharp condemnation from Beijing, which has responded with sanctions against US defense companies.

Tensions with Taiwan

Beijing maintains that Taiwan, which operates as a self-governing entity, is part of its territory. Consequently, Taiwan’s recent efforts to bolster its defense capabilities have provoked further irritation from the Chinese government. In response to the imminent military drills, Taiwan’s presidential office labeled them as a challenge to international norms.

The Taiwanese defense ministry reported increased activities from Chinese aircraft and naval vessels around the island, leading them to elevate their readiness levels. “Our forces are on high alert to defend Taiwan and protect our people,” the ministry stated.

China’s Strong Rhetoric

The Chinese military’s Eastern Theater Command referred to the upcoming drills as a “shield of justice” in a post on social media. They emphasized that any attempts at independence would be met with severe consequences, stating, “All those plotting independence will be annihilated upon encountering the shield!”

While China’s official stance advocates for peaceful reunification, they maintain a law allowing for “non-peaceful means” to counter any moves towards secession. The Chinese government has accused Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te of attempting to push for independence, while Lai insists that Taiwan already functions as a sovereign nation.

President Lai’s Position

In a recent television interview, President Lai asserted the necessity for Taiwan to enhance its defenses so that China would face insurmountable challenges in any attempts to invade. He affirmed his government’s commitment to maintaining the current status quo while emphasizing that genuine peace relies on robust defense capabilities.

Polling data consistently indicate that the majority of Taiwanese citizens prefer to avoid both unification with China and a formal declaration of independence, instead favoring maintaining the status quo.

Possible Implications of the Exercises

China’s military activity in the Taiwan Strait has escalated since 2022, often in reaction to perceived provocations, such as the visit of former US Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan and Lai’s recent inauguration. The last military exercise of this nature, conducted in April, simulated attacks on strategic ports and energy installations.

These upcoming drills will be the first led by Yang Zhibin, the new commander of the Eastern Theater Command, who took over in October. Concurrently, Taiwan is also conducting its own military drills to ensure preparedness for potential threats and to display its defensive capabilities.

During his tenure, President Lai has prioritized defense spending and improving Taiwan’s military capabilities in light of escalating tensions with Beijing. Recently, he announced plans for a dome-like air defense system aimed at countering potential threats without explicitly naming China.

Geopolitical Context

The drills undertaken by China this week will also target deterrence beyond the island chain. Relations between China and Japan have reached a low point after Japan’s Sanae Takaichi suggested that the nation’s self-defense forces might intervene if China were to attack Taiwan. This comment, along with other military tensions, has led China to express strong opposition and caution its citizens against traveling to Japan.

Conclusion

The upcoming military drills by China near Taiwan underscore escalating regional tensions, driven by divergent stances on sovereignty and security. As Beijing ramps up its military presence, Taiwan remains vigilant in response, emphasizing its commitment to maintaining peace and readiness in the face of potential threats.