On Wednesday, Taiwan’s military deployed its naval, air, and land forces after China initiated a live-fire exercise zone just 40 nautical miles off Taiwan’s coast. Taiwan’s defense ministry stated that it only became aware of the drills when local vessels were warned to avoid the area. The exercises were conducted near the port city of Kaohsiung, and Taiwanese officials condemned China’s actions, claiming that the country had unilaterally declared the drill zone, violating international norms.
Taiwan Raises Concerns Over Chinese Drills; Region Faces Growing Military Tensions and Risks
Taiwan’s defense ministry expressed grave concerns over the safety risks posed by China’s military drills, citing the danger to international flights and ships. They described China’s actions as a direct provocation to regional security and stability. The drills included 32 Chinese military aircraft performing joint exercises with warships, further escalating tensions. Despite Taiwan’s objections, Chinese officials have yet to acknowledge the complaints or respond to the accusations.
Taiwan Mobilizes Military as China Conducts Live-Fire Drills Near Its CoastThis latest exercise off Taiwan’s coast is part of a broader pattern of increasing Chinese military activity in the region. Earlier in the month, China conducted live-fire drills off Vietnam’s coast and between Australia and New Zealand, forcing flight diversions. These exercises highlight China’s growing assertiveness and its intention to expand its military presence and influence in the region, further exacerbating concerns among neighboring countries.
Chinese Leadership Reaffirms Reunification Goals; Taiwan Detains Chinese Crew Over Sabotage Incident
The military drills come shortly after a speech by Chinese Communist Party leader Wang Huning, who emphasized the need for greater efforts toward “reunification” with Taiwan. Huning reiterated the Chinese government’s position that Taiwan is a part of China and must eventually be incorporated under Beijing’s control. This call for reunification is consistent with President Xi Jinping’s earlier statements about the willingness to use force if necessary to bring Taiwan under Chinese authority.
On the day following the military drills, Taiwan’s coast guard detained the Chinese crew of a vessel suspected of severing an undersea fiber-optic cable connecting Taiwan and the island of Penghu. The incident, which occurred on February 22, further escalated tensions between the two nations. Taiwan’s coast guard acted swiftly to apprehend the Chinese crew members, underscoring Taiwan’s commitment to protecting its infrastructure and sovereignty amid rising tensions with China.