China Conducts Large-Scale Army, Naval, and Rocket Force Drills Around Taiwan Amid Rising Tensions
The Chinese military launched extensive drills in the waters surrounding Taiwan on Tuesday, issuing a stern warning against any moves toward independence by the self-ruled island.
The exercises involve naval, air, ground, and rocket forces, according to Shi Yi, spokesperson for the People's Liberation Army's Eastern Theater Command. Shi described the drills as a “severe warning and forceful containment against Taiwan independence.”
China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has vowed to bring it under its control, by force if necessary. However, most of Taiwan’s population supports maintaining its de facto independence and democratic governance.
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense reported tracking 19 Chinese navy vessels in the surrounding waters over a 24-hour period from 6 a.m. Monday to 6 a.m. Tuesday. The drills come just two weeks after a large-scale exercise in mid-March, during which Beijing deployed a significant number of drones and ships toward the island.
Beijing regularly sends warplanes and naval vessels near Taiwan in an effort to weaken its defenses and morale. Despite these pressures, the majority of Taiwan’s 23 million residents reject China's sovereignty claims.
In response to the escalating military threat, Taiwan has been strengthening its defenses by acquiring new missiles, aircraft, and other weaponry from the United States while also revitalizing its domestic defense industry.
Taiwan and China have been politically divided for 76 years since their split during a civil war. Tensions have worsened in recent years as official communication between the two governments has ceased.
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