The Chinese government has announced the commencement of an extensive military exercise surrounding Taiwan. Colonel Shi Yi, spokesperson for the Eastern Theater Command responsible for the region where Taiwan is located under the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), mentioned that elements from ground, air, naval, and missile forces under the command would participate in the exercise. Colonel Shi emphasized that the exercise surrounding Taiwan would focus on “maritime-air combat readiness patrols, seizing comprehensive superiority, attacks on maritime and land targets, key areas, and blockading sea lanes” to test the joint operational capability of the units. Indicating that the exercise would serve as a “harsh warning” and a “strong deterrent” to separatist forces advocating for Taiwan’s independence, Shi argued that it was a “legitimate and necessary action” to safeguard China’s sovereignty and national unity. The Chinese military had conducted comprehensive military exercises surrounding the island in May when Taiwan’s new leader Lai Ching-te took office and made his first “National Day” speech in October. These exercises are known as “Joint Sword” drills.

CHINA-TAIWAN DISPUTE: Following their victory in the civil war against the forces of Chiang Kai-shek’s Kuomintang, who retreated to Taiwan, the Communists led by Mao Zedong declared the establishment of the People’s Republic of China on October 1, 1949. Members of the defeated Kuomintang established a provisional government in Taiwan, insisting that the Republic of China, founded in 1912, continued to exist on the island. Taiwan, which China claims as part of its territory, has enjoyed de facto independence since 1949. However, the separation between mainland China and Taiwan persists. In recent years, Beijing has increased military pressure on Taiwan, emphasizing that it would not rule out the use of force if necessary for the reunification of the island with the mainland.