Decoding China's 'huge' military exercise around Taiwan

Reuters yesterday (October 15) quoted information from Taiwanese officials saying that mainland China deployed a record number of 153 military aircraft to conduct the above exercise on October 14. At the same time, Taipei condemned such a large-scale exercise taking place without prior warning, which could lead to many dangers for activities in the sea.

A photo taken inside the cockpit of a Chinese fighter jet participating in an exercise on October 14 in the Taiwan Strait.

PHOTO: CHINESE ARMY

Several mainland Chinese fighter jets crossed the median line, which is considered the maritime “boundary” between the two sides. In addition to the military aircraft, Beijing also deployed 14 naval ships and 12 law enforcement vessels.

Beijing announced the exercise, named "Joint Sword - 2024B", as a warning against "separatist actions" by Taipei.

Message to multiple parties

Responding to Thanh Nien yesterday, Professor Yoichiro Sato (international relations expert, Ritsumeikan Asia- Pacific University, Japan) assessed that Beijing's military exercise was in response to the speech of Mr. Lai Thanh Duc - Leader of Taiwan - on the occasion of the recent "Double Ten" day.

"Mainland China has decided to threaten Taiwan with a war-like blockade exercise against Taiwan's key ports. China's exercise sends a strong message against Taiwan's independence and tests America's resolve to defend Taiwan," Professor Sato added.

Not only that, Professor Sato also assessed: "The exercise is a "cold shower" for new Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who just met Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the ASEAN Summit in Laos and is interested in meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping next month." Recently, Tokyo has repeatedly sent out messages of strengthening cooperation with Taipei and affirmed its interests in ensuring peace in the Taiwan Strait.

"Prime Minister Ishiba's 'Asian NATO' proposal has been criticized everywhere. In that context, increasing tensions over Taiwan have further intensified criticism of Mr. Ishiba's proposal," said Professor Sato.

Taiwan says more than 150 Chinese military aircraft conduct drills around island

Counterproductive?

Also responding to Thanh Nien , Professor Stephen Robert Nagy (International Christian University - Japan, scholar at the Japan Institute of International Affairs) said: "Beijing continues to send the strongest message to Taipei that independence is non-negotiable. Military exercises are intended to convey that message and are scheduled after the "Double Ten" events. This is something that often happens for Beijing to show its dissatisfaction with Taiwan."

However, Professor Nagy raised the issue: "China's behavior may be counterproductive, as more and more countries, although in agreement, seem to be reconsidering their interpretation of the "One China" policy. Simply put, Beijing's actions in the region have made many parties wary and concerned about the rise of China - a regional and global power."

"Instead of strengthening its position, Beijing is showing attitudes and actions that make many parties worried and afraid of being threatened more, so Taiwan has the opportunity to increase cooperation with other parties," Professor Nagy emphasized.

US - Philippines large-scale military exercise

The US and Philippine militaries began large-scale military exercises on the same day that will last until October 25 in several areas, including the South China Sea and some locations near Taiwan, Reuters reported yesterday. The main focus of the exercise will be live-fire exercises along the northern coast of Luzon, while other activities will be conducted on small islands between Luzon and Taiwan.

The total number of participants in the exercise is more than 2,000, with the contents including: island landing, live-fire and humanitarian assistance. According to Philippine media, not only this country and the US, but also South Korea, Japan, the UK, Australia, France, Thailand and Indonesia also sent participants in different roles.

The Philippine military representative also confirmed that the exercise was planned in advance and did not originate from the exercise conducted by China on October 14 in the Taiwan Strait.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/giai-ma-cuoc-tap-tran-khung-cua-trung-quoc-xung-quanh-dai-loan-185241015220523067.htm