China military exercises around Taiwan as an answer to the new president

On Thursday, just a few days after the new Taiwanese president, Lai Ching-te, the Chinese army began two-day military exercises. These exercises are a direct response to what Beijing describes as "savatistic acts" from Taiwan.

Lai, who gave his inaugural speech after oath on Monday, is seen by China as a "separatist". China's Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, strongly criticized his statements, calling them "honorable".

Lai, despite the clear reluctance of the Chinese government, continues in attempts at dialogue, repeatedly proposing talks in the past that have so far been explicitly denied. Taiwanese President stresses that islanders have the sovereign right to decide their own future, which is contrary to Chinese claims of sovereignty over Taiwan.

Command of the People's Liberation Army of China reported the start of the exercise at 7:45 local time, covering the activities of land, sea, air forces. Exercises include areas of the Taiwan Strait and surrounding Taiwan islands of Kinmen, Matsu, Wuqiu and Dongyin.

A spokesman for the People's Liberation Army of China, Li Xi, stated that the military exercises carried out constitute "a severe punishment for the separatist actions of Taiwan's independence factions and a warning to external players tempted to interfere or provoke". The State Chinese broadcaster stated that these activities are "reasonable, logical and necessary", responding to challenges in the face of regional tensions.

Exercises focus on carrying out joint patrols in combat readiness, precise hits on strategically important targets and integrated operations, both at sea and in the air. The main objective of these maneuvers is to demonstrate the fighting force of the Chinese military and a clear warning to Taiwan, which seeks to maintain sovereignty. They also provide a strong message to external forces potentially interfering with the issues of the region.

These actions are a continuation of Chinese force demonstration policy, as in August 2022, when after Nancy Pelosi' visit to Taiwan, the exercise lasted four days, followed by additional maneuvers. All this shows the increasing scale and intensity of military activities in the region.

Written by Mariusz Dasiewicz