What's happened
On October 22, 2024, China initiated live-fire military drills near Niushan Island, close to Taiwan. This follows a week of heightened military activity, including record aircraft incursions into Taiwan's airspace. Taiwan's government downplayed the drills, asserting they are routine but acknowledging potential deterrent motives from Beijing.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Independent, the Chinese Maritime Safety Administration warned vessels to avoid the area around Niushan Island during the drills, which were described as routine by Taiwan's Defense Ministry. Taiwan's Premier Cho Jung-tai criticized the exercises as 'meaningless shows' that only heighten tensions. The New York Times noted that these drills follow a record number of Chinese military aircraft incursions into Taiwan's airspace, indicating a pattern of intimidation from Beijing. The South China Morning Post highlighted that these drills come shortly after U.S. and Canadian warships transited the Taiwan Strait, which China condemned as destabilizing. This context illustrates the ongoing military posturing between China, Taiwan, and their respective allies.
How we got here
Tensions between China and Taiwan have escalated in recent years, particularly following Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te's rejection of Beijing's sovereignty claims. China's military exercises have increased in frequency, often coinciding with perceived provocations from Taiwan or its allies.
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