What's happened
China has conducted its sixth large-scale military exercise around Taiwan since 2022, involving live-fire drills and simulations of blockade and attack. The drills follow US arms sales to Taiwan and heightened tensions over China's claim of sovereignty. Taipei responded with military exercises, while US and regional leaders watch closely.
What's behind the headline?
China's military drills are a clear demonstration of its resolve to assert sovereignty over Taiwan. The exercises, involving live ammunition and multiple branches of the military, simulate a blockade and assault, signaling Beijing's readiness to escalate if necessary. The timing follows significant US arms sales and diplomatic statements, indicating a strategic move to pressure Taipei and deter external support. The drills also serve as a warning to Japan and other regional actors challenging China's claims. While Taipei responds with its own military readiness, the risk of miscalculation increases, potentially destabilizing the region. The international community's response remains cautious, but China's actions will likely intensify diplomatic and military tensions, pushing the region closer to a possible conflict scenario. The next steps will depend on how Beijing balances its military posture with diplomatic efforts, but escalation seems inevitable if provocations continue.
What the papers say
The articles from SBS, The Independent, and AP News collectively highlight China's ongoing military assertiveness around Taiwan, emphasizing the scale and scope of the drills, including live-fire exercises and simulations of blockade and attack. SBS notes the drills are part of 'Justice Mission 2025,' involving multiple military branches and simulating strikes on Taiwanese ports. The Independent's coverage underscores China's diplomatic stance, with Wang Yi condemning US arms sales and Japanese militarism, framing the drills as a response to external provocations. AP News echoes this, emphasizing China's goal of 'complete reunification' and the regional implications of increased military activity. While all sources agree on China's assertiveness, SBS provides detailed operational insights, whereas The Independent and AP focus more on diplomatic rhetoric and regional reactions. The coverage collectively suggests that China's military posture is a calculated response to perceived threats, with regional and global implications for stability.
How we got here
Tensions between China and Taiwan have escalated over China's claims of sovereignty and recent US arms sales to Taiwan, which Beijing views as provocations. Since 2022, China has increased military activities near Taiwan, especially after a visit by Nancy Pelosi. Beijing aims for reunification, opposing Taiwan's independence and foreign support, particularly from the US and Japan.
Go deeper
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Taiwan, officially the Republic of China, is a country in East Asia. Neighbouring countries include the People's Republic of China to the northwest, Japan to the northeast, and the Philippines to the south.
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China, officially the People's Republic of China, is a country in East Asia. It is the world's most populous country, with a population of around 1.4 billion in 2019.
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Wang Yi is a Chinese diplomat and politician. He formerly served as China's Vice Foreign Minister, Ambassador to Japan and Director of the Taiwan Affairs Office. He has served as the Foreign Minister since March 2013 and a State Councilor since March 2018