China Conducts Military Exercises Near Taiwan

HONG KONG (AP) – On Monday, China’s military mobilized its air force, navy, and missile units to conduct joint live-fire exercises surrounding Taiwan. Beijing characterized this move as a “stern warning” aimed at separatist movements and external influences. In response, Taiwan expressed its concerns, labeling the Chinese government as “the greatest destroyer of peace.”

Taiwan’s aviation authorities indicated that over 100,000 international travelers would be impacted by flight cancellations and diversions due to these military maneuvers.

This round of exercises follows Beijing’s frustration over what might be the largest arms deal in U.S. history to Taiwan, alongside comments from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggesting military involvement if China were to act against Taiwan. China maintains that Taiwan should fall under its strict control.

Although the Chinese military’s statement didn’t directly mention the U.S. or Japan, China’s Foreign Ministry accused Taiwan’s ruling party of pushing for independence by seeking U.S. support.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense declared its forces were on heightened alert and that rapid response training was actively taking place. They contended that the exercises underscored the Chinese Communist Party’s aggressive nature and its role as a major threat to peace.

Chinese military activity near Taiwan has ramped up in recent years, with aircraft and naval vessels frequently patrolling the area. Senior Colonel Shi Yi, spokesperson for the People’s Liberation Army’s Eastern Theater Command, affirmed that training would happen in the Taiwan Strait as well as its northern, southwestern, southeastern, and eastern regions.

Shi elaborated on the objectives, which included readiness for air and naval combat and the containment of significant ports. Notably, this was also the first major military training where the command explicitly stated its aim for “all-dimensional deterrence beyond the island chain.”

“This represents a serious alert to ‘Taiwan independence’ separatists and external interfering forces, and is a proper response for safeguarding China’s sovereignty and national integrity,” Shi remarked.

Since 1949, China and Taiwan have been governed separately, with Taiwan operating its government independent of Beijing, although the mainland insists it is their territory.

Continued Military Preparation

On Monday, destroyers, frigates, fighter jets, bombers, and drones were dispatched to the Taiwan Strait, undertaking live-fire drills against maritime targets. Various military exercises, including ones aimed at improving sea-air operational coordination, were conducted in surrounding waters and airspace.

By 3 p.m. Monday, 89 aircraft and drones were active in the area, with 67 being monitored within a so-called “response zone.” Additionally, Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense reported observing 14 Coast Guard vessels in proximity, along with 14 naval ships and four extra warships in the Western Pacific.

Holding such live-fire drills near Taiwan isn’t just military pressure; it’s likely to create broader implications for the international community and neighboring nations, as Xie noted to reporters.

Military engagements are expected to persist into Tuesday. Taiwan’s Civil Aviation Administration announced that Chinese authorities had established seven temporary danger zones around the strait for rocket firing training from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., barring aircraft entry.

Initially, there were over 850 international flights scheduled during this time, affecting more than 100,000 passengers. In addition, more than 80 domestic flights, impacting around 6,000 travelers, were canceled.

The Chinese military has released themed training posters online, with troubling text. One portrayed shields with the Great Wall of China and several military aircraft, emphasizing it was focused on the idea of “Shield of Justice, Breaking Illusions,” implying harsh consequences for any infiltrators.

Last week, the Chinese government imposed sanctions on 20 U.S. defense firms and 10 executives following America’s announcement of a significant arms deal with Taiwan. The deal is still pending approval from U.S. lawmakers.

The U.S. government, under longstanding policy, is committed to assisting Taiwan in its defense. This commitment has become increasingly contentious in light of China’s claims. The U.S. and Taiwan had formal diplomatic ties until 1979, when President Jimmy Carter’s administration recognized China.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lin Jian accused Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party of soliciting U.S. support for independence, claiming it risks turning Taiwan into a “gunpowder magazine.”

Additionally, he warned that outside powers attempting to use Taiwan to contain China would only bolster Taiwanese independence forces and elevate risks of conflict in the Taiwan Strait.

There hasn’t been an immediate response from U.S. officials regarding these training exercises.

Taiwan’s Military Response

Karen Kuo, spokesperson for Taiwan’s Presidential Office, criticized the military drills for undermining stability in the Taiwan Strait and the broader Indo-Pacific region, and for openly challenging international norms.

Japan also condemned China’s military threats as a violation of international standards.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense released a video showcasing its military capabilities and resources. French Mirage-2000 aircraft made landings at the air base, symbolizing readiness.

In light of escalating tensions, Taiwan’s government revealed plans to accelerate the creation of the “Taiwan Shield” air defense system in response to potential Chinese aggression.

Military tensions also follow statements from Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan’an, who recently visited Shanghai, expressing a desire for the Taiwan Strait to symbolize peace rather than turmoil.