The Chinese government began two days of large-scale military exercises around Taiwan, in what it called “punishment” for so-called “separatist acts.” The move comes days after the self-governing island swore in a new democratically elected leader, who called on Beijing to stop its intimidation tactics.
military exercises
In this regard, the spokesperson for the Taiwanese Ministry of Defense said: “We must express our condemnation of this behavior that damages regional peace and stability.”
You can also read here: ‘Why are China’s military exercises considered a ‘simulation’ on how to invade and blockade Taiwan?
It should be remembered that the last time China carried out such a large drill in Taiwan was in April 2023, after Kevin McCarthy, then speaker of the House of Representatives, met with then-Taiwan president Tsai Ing-wen.
Apparently, a speech in which Lai pledged to defend Taiwan and hinted at the possibility of an agreement by saying that he was open to dialogue with Beijing arguing that the parties “are not subordinate to each other,” offended China.
The implications
Regionally, these drills increase tension between China and Taiwan, as well as other countries in the region, such as Japan and the United States. Taiwan views China as a threat to its sovereignty, while China sees Taiwan as a rebellious province that should eventually be reunified with the mainland.
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