The exercise, which involves joint operations by the army, navy, and rocket forces, is being framed by China as a “stern warning” to the island’s leadership.
The deployment comes as Beijing is growing increasingly critical of Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-Te, who has sparked further anger from China with his recent comments.
China calls Taiwan’s president a ‘parasite’
China’s Ministry of Defence on Tuesday described the newly launched military drills as a powerful demonstration of their military might.
A video released by the Eastern Theater Command depicted President Lai in a grotesque cartoon image, portrayed as a “parasite” held between chopsticks above a burning Taiwan.
The video accompanied statements that vilified Lai as a “separatist” and called his administration’s actions a poison undermining Taiwan. The animation labeled Lai’s government as an existential threat to the island, warning that Taiwan was courting “ultimate destruction” through its actions.The drills themselves are seen as a response to Lai’s description of China as a “foreign hostile force” last month, a statement that Beijing viewed as a direct challenge to its sovereignty over Taiwan. In addition to the sea and air patrols, China’s military emphasized that the exercises will include the seizing of comprehensive control, striking both maritime and land targets, and potentially imposing a blockade on key Taiwanese areas and sea lanes.
Such moves are seen as laying the groundwork for a future escalation, should the geopolitical situation continue to deteriorate.
China’s military posture: A growing threat to Taiwan’s sovereignty?
The current exercises, called “Joint Sword 2024,” are the latest in a series of military drills conducted by China in recent years, aimed at increasing pressure on Taiwan. This round of drills marks the latest in a series of provocations following Taiwan’s presidential election, which brought Lai Ching-Te to power.
The Chinese government has repeatedly stated that any move towards Taiwanese independence will be met with a military response. “Independence means war,” Beijing declared, underscoring its resolve to prevent Taiwan from formalizing its separation from China.
Taiwan has been under increasing military pressure from Beijing since the election of Tsai Ing-wen in 2016, with the Chinese government carrying out near-daily military incursions into Taiwan’s airspace and surrounding waters. L
ast year alone, Chinese forces conducted several massive exercises, including live-fire drills, simulated aerial blockades, and encirclements aimed at demonstrating their capability to isolate the island in the event of conflict. These operations have become almost routine, according to Chinese officials, who stress that they are necessary to maintain combat readiness.
Taiwan responds: ‘Troublemaker’ and ‘international norms violator’
In response to the increased Chinese activity, Taiwan’s Ministry of Defence condemned the drills, with a spokesperson describing the Chinese military as the “biggest troublemaker” in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Ministry confirmed that China’s Shandong aircraft carrier group had entered Taiwan’s response area on Monday, with ships, planes, and missile systems activated in the surrounding waters.
While Taiwan has not formally commented on the cartoon depiction of President Lai, it has continually asserted its independence and sovereignty, despite Beijing’s threats. In a statement released by Taiwan’s Defence Ministry, they emphasised that the growing military presence in the region threatens regional stability and violates international norms. “The Chinese Communist Party continues to escalate its military activities, destabilizing not just Taiwan, but the entire Indo-Pacific region,” the statement added.
Taipei’s response has been to increase its own military preparedness and strengthen alliances with foreign partners. Following China’s military maneuvers, Taiwan’s military forces are on high alert, while the island continues to seek support from the international community, particularly the United States and Japan, as it faces increasing coercion from Beijing.
In the midst of rising tensions, Taiwan’s government maintains that it will not bow to China’s demands and will continue to defend its right to self-determination. However, experts warn that the growing militarisation of the Taiwan Strait could lead to further confrontations, with the possibility of war looming ever closer should diplomatic efforts fail.
(With inputs from agencies)
