China's Military Drills in Taiwan Strait: A Response to US Arms Sales?
China Conducts Major Military Exercises Near Taiwan
Beijing: On Monday, China initiated extensive military exercises in the central region of the Taiwan Strait, labeling them as a 'punitive and deterrent' measure against Taiwan's separatist movements. This action follows the recent announcement of a historic USD 11.1 billion arms deal between the US and Taiwan.
The drills involve a variety of advanced military assets, including fighter jets, long-range missiles, and naval vessels, and occur amidst escalating diplomatic tensions with Japan regarding Taiwan, which China asserts as its territory.
According to a statement from the Chinese military, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theatre Command is utilizing a combination of fighters, bombers, and drones alongside long-range rocket fire to conduct these exercises in the Taiwan Strait's airspace and waters.
Since 2022, China has ramped up military activities around Taiwan, particularly after the visit of former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taipei.
This marks the sixth round of such drills, which are widely seen as preparations for potential military action against the self-governing island that Beijing considers part of its territory.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian emphasized that these drills are necessary to protect China's national sovereignty and territorial integrity, asserting that any provocations would be met with a strong response from China.
Taiwan has condemned these military exercises, accusing Beijing of using intimidation tactics against neighboring nations. The Taiwanese Defence Ministry announced that its forces are on high alert and conducting rapid response drills.
Karen Kuo, spokesperson for the Taiwanese president's office, stated that these drills threaten the stability of the Taiwan Strait and the broader Indo-Pacific region, challenging international law.
The PLA's statement indicated that the focus of the drills is on striking mobile ground targets, testing the troops' precision strike capabilities.
These military maneuvers coincide with the US's approval of a substantial arms package for Taiwan, which has drawn sharp criticism from China amid rising tensions with Japan over Taiwan-related issues.
US President Donald Trump approved the arms deal, which, pending Congressional approval, would represent the largest arms sale to Taiwan in history.
Chinese officials have warned that such arms sales could escalate tensions and lead to a precarious situation for Taiwan, with the Foreign Ministry asserting that China will take decisive measures to protect its sovereignty.
Tensions have also escalated between China and Japan, particularly following remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Taiwan's security implications for Japan, which China has demanded be retracted.
China has criticized Japan's military developments in Okinawa, including the deployment of surveillance radar to monitor Chinese military activities.
Guo Jiakun, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, questioned Japan's intentions, suggesting that Japan's military build-up could be a pretext for overseas missions.