Tensions Rise as China Surrounds Taiwan with Military Exercises
On the second day of Beijing's significant military maneuvers around Taiwan, four Chinese coast guard vessels entered the 'forbidden waters' of two Taiwanese islands, supported by two additional vessels nearby, according to Taipei. This incursion marks the eighth such occurrence this month, as per the Taiwanese coast guard, who noted that the vessels left around 9 a.m. local time. Urging China to exercise restraint and cease its irrational behavior, Taipei continues to monitor the situation closely.
The military operations, under the codename 'Joint Sword-2024A,' were launched by Beijing on Thursday. These maneuvers involve China's army, navy, air force, and rocket unit, and serve as a direct message following the recent swearing-in of Lai Ching-te. Beijing interpreted Lai's inauguration speech as suggestive of Taiwan's independence and has framed these exercises as a severe punishment for the island's separatists. Li Xi, spokesperson for the Eastern Theater Command, stated that the operations aim to verify the capability of seizing power and executing joint strikes while controlling key territories.
These activities are happening across the Taiwan Strait and surrounding the islands of Kinmen, Matsu, Wuqiu, and Dongyin, located close to China's east coast. Although initially scheduled to conclude on Friday, analysts believe the exercises could extend or be renewed shortly. Videos released by the Chinese military showed soldiers rapidly deploying to combat stations and fighter jets taking off. An animated graphic on state television CCTV depicted missiles targeting key areas in the north, south, and east of Taiwan, with a threatening message about cutting the blood vessels of Taiwan's independence.
Taiwan's Response and International Appeal for Restraint
In response to these aggressive maneuvers, Lai Ching-te, who Beijing brands a dangerous separatist for his past pro-independence statements, promised to defend the values of freedom and democracy. He pledged to stand on the front lines with Taiwanese military personnel to ensure national security. During his inauguration on Monday, Lai called on China to stop its political and military intimidation. The following day, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned that Taiwanese separatists would be historically shamed.
The United Nations has called on all involved parties to refrain from actions that could exacerbate tensions. In Washington, a senior official noted that the United States, Taiwan’s historic ally, is closely monitoring the situation and has called on China to exercise restraint. Beijing considers Taiwan a breakaway province since the end of the civil war in 1949 and has not ruled out the use of force to achieve reunification, although it claims to favor peaceful methods. China's previous large-scale military exercises around Taiwan occurred in August 2023 following Lai Ching-te's visit to the United States and in August 2022 following a visit from Nancy Pelosi, the then-president of the U.S. House of Representatives.
- The geopolitical landscape in the Asia-Pacific region remains tense as China's military exercises around Taiwan highlight the fragile relationship between the two sides. Various global powers, including the United States, continue to express concern over these developments, urging for diplomatic resolutions.
- Analysts are skeptical about the potential for immediate de-escalation, given the historical context and China's increasing assertion over the Taiwan issue. Meanwhile, in Taiwan, the government is maintaining a heightened state of alert and is prepared for any further provocations.
