China’s military forces are conducting joint exercises around Taiwan to demonstrate their ability to carry out “precision strikes on key targets.” The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is coordinating drills involving its army, navy, air force, and rocket force in the Taiwan Strait as a response to separatist forces seeking independence on the island.
The exercises will focus on combined sea-air combat-readiness patrol, capturing battlefield control, and conducting joint precision strikes on strategic locations. These drills are meant to showcase the PLA’s combat capabilities and deter any attempts at Taiwan independence.
In response, the Taiwanese Defense Ministry has deployed aircraft, navy vessels, and coastal missile systems to monitor the PLA forces’ movements. Tensions are rising as Beijing seeks the peaceful reunification of Taiwan while warning of military intervention if Taipei declares independence.
The newly-elected Taiwanese president, Lai Ching-te, has called for cooperation between Taiwan and Beijing but asserts the island’s autonomy. Beijing has criticized Lai’s statements as provocative, accusing him of colluding with external forces. The situation remains tense as both sides engage in military maneuvers.