Understanding China's Recent Military Drills Near Taiwan

Tensions are escalating in the Taiwan Strait as China has started military drills around Taiwan shortly after the inauguration of the new Taiwanese leader, who China has never liked. The drills, which began on Thursday, were labeled by China as a form of "punishment" for what they see as attempts to separate from China.

Despite the deteriorating relations between the two sides in recent years, the latest escalation poses a significant challenge for Taiwan's new leader. The ruling party has been a strong advocate for democracy in the midst of increasing threats from its authoritarian neighbor.

China's ruling Communist Party asserts that Taiwan is part of its territory, even though it has never governed the island. The party has declared its intention to reunite with Taiwan, even if it means resorting to force. Under the leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping, China has adopted a more aggressive stance on this issue.

Here’s what you need to know.

What’s happening with the drills?

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army's Eastern Theater Command announced that they have started joint military exercises on Thursday morning. This involves the army, navy, air force, and rocket force in areas near Taiwan.

These exercises are taking place in the Taiwan Strait, a narrow waterway that separates Taiwan from mainland China, as well as in the northern, southern, and eastern regions of Taiwan.

The military exercises are also happening near Taiwan's outlying islands of Kinmen, Matsu, Wuqiu, and Dongyin, which are situated close to China's southeastern coast, as mentioned in a statement by the command.

The Chinese guided missile frigate Nantong, one of the vessels in the series of military drills around Taiwan.

The Chinese guided missile frigate Nantong, one of the vessels in the series of military drills around Taiwan.

People's Liberation Army/Weibo

Naval Colonel Li Xi, who is the spokesperson for the command, described the exercises as a way to punish separatist actions by Taiwan independence forces and to send a strong message against interference by external forces.

Chinese state media has been actively promoting the drills in a domestic propaganda campaign. This includes live coverage of the exercises on CCTV and posting videos of the military vessels on social media. The exercises have also been trending on China's Weibo platform, similar to Twitter.

Taiwan's Defense Ministry has sent sea, air, and ground forces to address China's drills. They expressed disappointment at China's actions, which disrupt regional peace and stability.

The presidential office of Taiwan released a statement asserting their confidence and ability to protect national security. They accused China of using military threats to undermine Taiwan's democracy and freedom.

What triggered this?

The most obvious answer is Lai’s inauguration on Monday.

Lai's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is currently serving its third term in power. They believe that Taiwan is essentially an independent nation with its own unique Taiwanese identity.

Before the elections in Taiwan in January, Beijing cautioned that if Lai won, it could escalate tensions and potentially lead to conflict. They consistently portrayed the election as a decision between "peace and war."

Taiwanese voters ignored the warnings and voted the DPP back into power. However, two opposition parties that support closer relations with China now hold the majority in parliament.

China's government and state media often criticize Lai, labeling him as a dangerous separatist, troublemaker, and war instigator. They refuse his repeated offers for dialogue.

Taiwan's new President Lai Ching-te and his wife Wu Mei-ju wave during the inauguration ceremony in Taipei on May 20, 2024.

Taiwan's new President Lai Ching-te and his wife Wu Mei-ju wave during the inauguration ceremony in Taipei on May 20, 2024.

Carlos Garcia Rawlins/Reuters

Their vehement dislike of Lai is rooted in his political past, as well as Beijing’s refusal to deal directly with a huge swathe of Taiwan’s leaders.

The 64-year-old former doctor and political veteran used to openly support Taiwan independence, which is a sensitive issue for Beijing. However, his views have evolved over time. Now, he believes in maintaining the current status quo. He mentions that there is no urgency or necessity to declare independence because Taiwan is already operating as an independent sovereign country.

Beijing has never forgotten his early comments and showed its disapproval with the drills on Thursday.

Lai also emphasized his administration's stance on China during his inaugural speech, stating that a new era of Taiwan's democracy has begun and reaffirming his commitment to protecting its sovereignty.

He also called on Beijing to cease its “intimidation” of Taiwan and respect that its people want to decide their own destiny.

What’s the relationship between China and Taiwan?

The Chinese Civil War came to an end with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) emerging victorious and forming the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in Beijing in 1949.

In response to their defeat, the Nationalist Party retreated to Taiwan, relocating their Republic of China (ROC) government from the mainland to Taipei.

Both claimed to be the only legitimate government of all of China.

Recently, Taiwan has reduced its emphasis on claiming mainland China as its territory and has evolved into a thriving democracy with its own military, currency, constitution, and elected officials.

Protesters gathered outside Taiwan's parliament on May 21, 2024, to rally against plans by the main opposition Kuomintang and the Taiwan People's Party. They used umbrellas to shield themselves from the rain during the all-day protest. The demonstrators were opposing reform bills proposed by the opposition parties, while lawmakers from the ruling party engaged in a filibuster inside to block the legislation.

Yasuyoshi Chiba/AFP/Getty Images

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Most governments around the world do not recognize Taiwan as an independent country. As a result, Taiwan has become more diplomatically isolated over the years, with many countries shifting their diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing. However, unofficial diplomatic relations with several Western nations have actually strengthened in recent years, partly due to China's aggressive actions.

Under Xi's leadership, China has become more confident in its foreign policy and has shifted towards a more authoritarian regime domestically.

Since the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) came into power in Taiwan in 2016, China has ceased official communication with the island and has intensified its economic, military, and diplomatic coercion tactics.

Taiwan's relationship with the United States has grown stronger in recent years, as evidenced by increased arms sales and high-level political interactions during Tsai Ing-wen's presidency. This has angered Beijing, leading to heightened tension and strained relations between Taiwan and China.

So, where does the United States fit into all of this?

In 1979, the US officially changed its diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing. However, it has always navigated a delicate balance in its approach.

This is known as the "One China" policy, where the US recognizes the People's Republic of China as the only legitimate government. The US also acknowledges Beijing's stance that Taiwan is a part of China, although it has never agreed to the Chinese Communist Party's assertion of sovereignty over the island.

The US and Taiwan have strong unofficial ties that have grown stronger recently. The US is legally obligated to help Taiwan defend itself and provides the island with defensive weapons.

US lawmakers often visit Taiwan and have passed laws to increase support for the island and its defense.

The US has historically maintained a policy of "strategic ambiguity" when it comes to defending Taiwan against a Chinese invasion.

After the January election in Taiwan, a bipartisan delegation from the US visited the island. During their visit, they met with Lai and Tsai and assured them that American support for Taiwan will remain strong regardless of the outcome of the upcoming US election.

On Tuesday, Beijing announced sanctions against former US House Representative Mike Gallagher for his remarks and actions that were seen as interfering in China's internal affairs.

Editor's P/S:

The escalating tensions between China and Taiwan highlight the fragile balance of power in the region. China's military drills around Taiwan are a clear attempt to