China conducts military drills near Taiwan, issuing strong warning in wake of US visit

China has initiated comprehensive air and sea military maneuvers around Taiwan, delivering an unequivocal “stern warning” to separatist factions on the island. This comes on the heels of Taiwan’s Vice President William Lai’s recent visit to the United States. The large-scale exercises are aimed at deterring any potential separatist activities.

Taiwan promptly responded by criticizing Beijing’s “militaristic mindset” and revealed that its forces are closely monitoring the Chinese military movements. Combat aircraft, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems are being utilized to observe and assess the activities of the Chinese forces.

The Eastern Theatre Command of the People’s Liberation Army, entrusted with the region encompassing Taiwan, announced that it was executing joint naval and air combat preparedness patrols in the vicinity of Taiwan. This initiative concentrates on perfecting ship-aircraft coordination and assessing the capabilities required for securing control over air and sea territories.

China’s state-run news agency Xinhua quoted a spokesperson from the Eastern Theatre Command stating, “The patrols and exercises serve as a stern warning to the collusion of ‘Taiwan independence’ separatists with foreign elements and their provocations.”

As per reports from China Central Television (CCTV), the operation involved missile-equipped vessels and fighter jets, collaborating to simulate a strategic encirclement of Taiwan.

Condemning the exercises, Taiwan’s defense ministry asserted its readiness and determination to ensure national security. It emphasized that the military maneuvers only exacerbate tensions in the Taiwan Strait and highlight China’s inclination towards militarism.

The Taiwanese defense ministry revealed that the drills included 42 Chinese aircraft and eight ships. Alarmingly, 26 of these aircraft crossed the median line that previously marked an informal border between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait. In response, Taiwan has mobilized its own combat aircraft, land-based missile systems, and naval assets to monitor the situation.

Taiwan’s Vice President Lai, a prominent contender for the upcoming presidential election in January, returned from a visit to the United States. His stopover in the US prompted speculations of China’s military response, potentially aimed at intimidating Taiwanese voters and influencing the forthcoming election.

China’s foreign ministry denounced Lai’s visit, labeling him a “troublemaker” who adheres to a separatist stance. Responding to the situation, Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Joseph Wu asserted that the fate of Taiwan’s elections should be determined by its citizens, not China’s interference.

China’s claims over Taiwan have long been a contentious issue, with Beijing openly asserting its right to the island. The recent military exercises underscore China’s increasing military activity in response to perceived cooperation between Taipei and Washington.

These exercises coincide with a summit involving the United States, Japan, and South Korea, where the three nations decried China’s assertive actions in the South China Sea. The joint statement issued by US President Joe Biden, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida emphasized their shared commitment to regional security and prosperity.

This display of military prowess mirrors China’s past responses to international events. Last year, similar drills were executed following a visit by then-US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan. These exercises showcased China’s advanced fighter jets and missile systems, signaling its determination to protect its interests in the region.