China’s military deployed Army, Navy, Air Force and Rocket Force troops to conduct joint drills around Taiwan on Monday as a “stern warning” against Taiwanese independence.
In response, Taiwan placed its forces on “high alert,” condemning China’s “irrational provocations” and asserting that the actions “undermine regional peace.”
The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) drills tested the capabilities of integrated operations around the island for “neutralizing the enemy at maximum range.” They also focused on the coordination of sea and air forces and “precise target hunting.”
Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of National Defense expounded on the PLA role in plans for reunification with Taiwan at a press conference on Thursday:
[I]t is entirely legitimate, necessary, reasonable, and lawful for the PLA to conduct regular training and maintain readiness around the island… The PLA will not cease its efforts to combat separatist activities and promote national reunification. For every “Taiwan independence” provocation, we will intensify our pressure further until the complete reunification of the motherland.
Karen Kuo, spokesperson for the Taiwanese president’s office, responded, stating:
Our country strongly condemns the Chinese authorities for disregarding international norms and using military intimidation to threaten neighboring countries.
The action follows China’s objection to US President Donald Trump’s proposal of a $11.1 billion aid package to Taiwan—potentially the largest-ever between the two countries. On December 26, China sanctioned 20 US defense firms and several executives, and urged the US to stop supporting Taiwan, indicating that any actions that “cross the line” with Taiwan would be met with a strong response. However, the US is bound by law to provide Taiwan with arms to defend itself.
The development is the latest of a history of tense relations between China, Taiwan and the US. China has long sought to reclaim Taiwan, viewing the island as a “renegade province” since the Chinese Communist Party took control of mainland China in 1949. Taiwan, or the Republic of China (ROC), has been independently governed throughout that time, aligning itself with the US. The US has become heavily reliant on Taiwanese semiconductors, which help facilitate multiple digital technologies, including AI technology.
Human Rights Watch has previously expressed concern over China’s targeting of individuals who express support for Taiwanese “separatism.”
