China's Military Launches Large-Scale Drills Around Taiwan, Sending a Warning to Pro-Independence Forces

The Chinese military launched large-scale joint military exercises in the waters surrounding Taiwan starting on the 23rd. This exercise is interpreted as a response to the recent inaugural address of Taiwan's newly inaugurated President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) and a message of pressure and warning to pro-Taiwan independence forces.

The Chinese government strongly protested President Tsai's statement in her inaugural address that "Taiwan is not part of China." A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry stated that "Taiwan independence forces will face a miserable fate in the face of the historical trend of China's complete unification" and strongly condemned the Tsai administration for denying the "One China" principle.

China's Eastern Theater Command announced that it will conduct these military exercises in a wide range of waters, including the northern, southern, and eastern waters off the coast of Taiwan, as well as the areas surrounding the Kinmen and Matsu Islands. Dozens of fighter jets conducted combat reconnaissance activities around Taiwan and its surrounding islands, and warships such as destroyers and frigates conducted mock enemy strike drills in coordination with each other.

Simultaneously, the China Coast Guard also conducted 'law enforcement exercises' in the waters near Taiwan. China frequently conducts joint exercises with its armed police forces, including the Coast Guard, and it is reported that 31 ships, including warships and coast guard vessels, and 42 aircraft, including fighter jets and early warning aircraft, were deployed this time.

In a statement, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense strongly protested, stating that China's unilateral military exercises are an unreasonable provocation that undermines regional peace and stability. A spokesperson for the Presidential Office of Taiwan also expressed regret over China's unilateral military provocation.

Meanwhile, it appears that the Chinese military's large-scale military exercises also aim to deter the United States. A deputy spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry insisted that "the US should stop supporting Taiwan independence forces and interfering in China's internal affairs." This is interpreted as a direct warning aimed at the US, which continues to sell weapons to Taiwan.

Experts analyzed that these military exercises are intended for China to showcase its capabilities to impose a naval and air blockade on Taiwan. They also suggested that partial drills might have been conducted during the preparation stage. While it's not a high-intensity exercise involving live-fire drills, it is expected to be a step by China to increase its pressure and deterrence against Taiwan.