China Encirlces Taiwan With Missile-Armed Bombers

By Olawale Abaire, Warrior Editorial Fellow

China has initiated two days of military exercises around Taiwan, with its military labeling them as “strong punishment” for the self-ruled island’s perceived “separatist acts.” These exercises come just three days after the inauguration of President William Lai, who has called on China to cease threatening the island and acknowledge the existence of its democracy.

During his inaugural speech, President Lai advocated for the cessation of Beijing’s military intimidations, pledging a balanced stance of neither capitulation nor provocation. He emphasized Taiwan’s unwavering commitment to liberty and democracy, especially under the looming shadow of external threats. This commitment was reiterated during his engagements with national security personnel and naval forces.

President Lai also preferred to dialogue with Beijing to maintain Taiwan’s current status quo while avoiding conflicts that could potentially draw in key allies such as the United States, Japan, and Australia.

If you will remember vividly in late March and early April 2023, former Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen visited the United States and held an in-person meeting with Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy. However, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) escalated its activities during Tsai’s visit to the U.S., particularly after her meeting with McCarthy. On April 8, the day after Tsai returned to Taiwan, the PLA announced and launched large-scale military exercises around the island. These exercises are more significant than China’s previous responses to Taiwan presidential transits and are reminiscent of the unprecedented PLA response to then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan in August 2022.

China views Taiwan as part of its national territory and considers any moves toward independence as unacceptable. The PLA frequently conducts naval and air operations around Taiwan, aiming to wear down Taiwan’s defenses and assert its control over the region. Beijing perceives Taiwan’s de facto independence as challenging its sovereignty and stability in the Taiwan Strait. The recent military exercises serve as a stern warning to separatist forces seeking independence.

China Taiwan Analysis