China's Military Launches Large-Scale Maneuvers Around Taiwan

china's military launches large-scale maneuvers around taiwan

Photo: Shutterstock.com

The People's Republic of China launched large-scale military exercises on Thursday, as announced by state news agency Xinhua.

These exercises involve naval ships and aircraft operating in the Taiwan Strait and surrounding regions, including the north, south, and east of the island.

Demonstration of Force

The maneuvers are perceived as a direct response to the recent inauguration of Taiwan's new President Lai Ching-te.

According to reports from Der Spiegel, the Chinese armed forces are focusing on joint combat readiness at sea and in the air, as well as simulating attacks on key targets. Ships and aircraft have approached Taiwan from multiple directions, including patrols near the Kinmen and Matsu Islands.

Taiwan's Defense Ministry has condemned these military exercises as an "irrational provocation" that endangers peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

The Taiwanese military has mobilized its sea, land, and air forces to defend the island's "freedom and democracy with practical actions," though specific operational details were not disclosed.

Also read

U.S. Open to Discussing Deep Strikes on Russia, Says Blinken

Travel Ban: Norway Slams Door Shut on Russians

Historical Context and Rising Tensions

China considers Taiwan a breakaway province that should be reunified with the mainland, by force if necessary.

Over recent years, China has consistently increased its military presence near Taiwan, sending fighter jets and warships in frequent shows of strength. This pattern of behavior has heightened regional tensions.

The current military exercises are seen as part of China's strategy to intimidate Taiwan and demonstrate its displeasure with the island's political developments, particularly the inauguration of President Lai, who is viewed as a pro-independence figure.

President Lai's inauguration has sparked political controversy within Taiwan.

Pro-China parties in Taiwan's parliament have introduced contentious legislative proposals, leading to heated debates and physical altercations among lawmakers. Meanwhile, tens of thousands of protesters have taken to the streets to support Lai and voice concerns about the preservation of Taiwan's democracy.

Many Taiwanese fear that their island could face increasing pressure and influence from Beijing, similar to the situation in Hong Kong, where Beijing has tightened its control over the region's political and civil freedoms.

Also read

Kamikaze Drone Attack: Putin Allegedly Escapes Assassination Attempt

Strongest Earthquake in 40 Years Forces Thousands to Spend Night on Streets

The Number of Electric Cars in Europe is Declining: Here's the Replacement

OTHER NEWS

13 minutes ago

Holders Dublin get quarter-final tie with Galway after edging clear of Mayo

13 minutes ago

Just one term? There is a strategy that can get Keir Starmer to No 10 – and keep him there

13 minutes ago

Boris Johnson demands Starmer denounce Jeremy Corbyn in latest column

13 minutes ago

'James had been very supportive of me'

13 minutes ago

Labour: Conservatives have utterly let renters down

13 minutes ago

Armagh power past Mayo to reach first All-Ireland minor final since 2009

13 minutes ago

PSL Awards: Sundowns and Pirates stars big winners

13 minutes ago

Tories have 'no leadership from top' as General Election betting scandal deepens

13 minutes ago

WATCH: DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small’s dancing video

13 minutes ago

Fired-up New Yorkers protest troublesome migrant tent city: ‘we’re going to keep the pressure on’

17 minutes ago

Rapper Foolio killed in Tampa shooting

17 minutes ago

‘I can’t move’: Ontario woman opens up about stiff person syndrome fight

19 minutes ago

Video: Katy Perry puts on a leggy display in Paris ahead of the Vogue World event after sparking Ozempic speculation

20 minutes ago

Labour would have to raise taxes to fill immediate £2bn black hole, Tories claim

20 minutes ago

Duda arrives in China to discuss trade, security in Europe

20 minutes ago

England suffer fresh injury concern ahead of Slovenia fixture

20 minutes ago

Russia vows military and legal response against US, holds it responsible for Kyiv attack

22 minutes ago

Tesla, opponents of Musk's pay package clash over resolving compensation lawsuit

26 minutes ago

Darwin Nunez is 25/1 with Sky Bet to score a hat-trick - as Uruguay open their Copa America 2024 campaign against Panama in Miami

27 minutes ago

Medicaid spending on migrants in Florida plummets after DeSantis crackdown on illegals: report

27 minutes ago

Illinois may return land stolen 175 years ago from a Prairie Band Potawatomi chief

28 minutes ago

Justin Reid opened the Chiefs “ChampionsHaus” pop-up in Frankfurt, Germany

28 minutes ago

Chelsea go ALL-IN on Nico Williams - Gianluca Di Marzio

28 minutes ago

Golden Nuggets: Ten more Sundays without real 49ers football

28 minutes ago

Chelsea ask Barcelona about signing young forward after Michael Olise snub

28 minutes ago

Ukraine reports successful attack on Russian military command post in Belgorod

28 minutes ago

Mailbag: Biggest villain in 2024, Jahmyr Gibbs or Jameson Williams?

28 minutes ago

Micah Parsons named NFL's ninth-best player by CBS Sports

28 minutes ago

A 4-year-old boy was rescued after surviving nearly 24 hours alone in California woods

31 minutes ago

Arsenal and Liverpool eye Joshua Kimmich transfer - but he's 'not interested' in Man Utd

31 minutes ago

Benoot's candid assessment: "Van Aert not at last year's level, Visma | LAB does not dare to bet money on Vingegaard"

31 minutes ago

Daniel Lismore arrives at the V and A summer party

31 minutes ago

Mets Morning News for June 23, 2024

32 minutes ago

The late 'Jeopardy!' host Alex Trebek will be honored with a U.S. postage stamp

33 minutes ago

Researchers 'crack the code' for quelling electromagnetic interference

33 minutes ago

Kraken-Canucks Set To Kick Off 2024-25 Pre-Season Slate

33 minutes ago

Washington Commanders: Amazon’s Jeff Bezos Was Outbid By Josh Harris For Ownership, Per Report

33 minutes ago

NASCAR race today: Live updates for USA TODAY 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway

33 minutes ago

UAE: FTA urges taxpayers to register to avoid penalty

33 minutes ago

Nostalgic for your turbulent youth? Read this novel and you won’t be