Taipei, Taiwan – China’s military drills near Taiwan have entered their second day, showcasing the People’s Liberation Army’s maneuvers to encircle the island with ships and aircraft. These exercises serve as a simulation of how Beijing would potentially take over Taiwan, as it has repeatedly vowed to do so. Over the years, China has been steadily increasing military pressure in the Taiwan Strait.
The latest drills focus on encircling the island and simulating a full-scale attack, excluding the actual landing of troops. Taiwan military expert Chieh Chung believes that China’s inclusion of all of Taiwan’s off-shore islands indicates a plan to eliminate facilities that could launch a counter-attack against the PLA. The drills, also known as “Joint Sword 2024-A,” are not expected to be the last Taiwan will face this year.
In response to President William Lai’s inauguration speech, which referred to China as a separate entity from Taiwan, China has launched a verbal attack against the new leader. This marks a shift in Beijing’s response to Taiwanese leadership, reflecting their ongoing tensions over the status of Taiwan. Despite China’s aggressive rhetoric, Beijing has yet to escalate tensions by crossing certain maritime boundaries around Taiwan.
The drills have prompted mixed reactions in Taipei, where some residents have expressed nonchalance while others acknowledge the looming threat posed by China’s military activities. The drills have also united Taiwan’s political parties, with the opposition KMT calling for Beijing to show restraint. Interestingly, the military intimidation by China has historically boosted support for the ruling DPP party in Taiwan, rather than achieving the intended outcome of deterring independence forces. This irony underscores the fundamental disconnect between China’s actions and Taiwan’s political landscape.