April 11, 2023

China's military declares its readiness to fight after conducting a three-day large-scale combat exercise around Taiwan. The simulation was done in response to the Taiwanese President's visit to the US last week, meant as a warning to Taiwan, which China claims as its own. These exercises serve as intimidation tactics, and also provide opportunities for Chinese troops to practice strategic options, such as blocking sea and air traffic. Military experts speculate that this is a sign that China may be considering military force to take Taiwan. Meanwhile, President Tsai Ing-wen has been shoring up Taiwan's diplomatic alliances in Central America and increasing US support. The Chinese government has responded with a travel ban and financial sanctions against those associated with Tsai's US trip, and increased military activity over the weekend. The White House, however, reiterates that there is no reason for tensions across the Taiwan Strait to lead to conflict. The ongoing tension between China and Taiwan has been a long-standing issue, with China viewing Taiwan as a breakaway province that must be brought back under its control, even by force. However, Taiwan sees itself as an independent and democratic state, with its own government, military, and economy.
The recent military exercises by China near Taiwan come at a time when tensions have been escalating between the two sides. In addition to President Tsai Ing-wen's trip to the United States, China has also been angered by the recent passage of a U.S. law that seeks to strengthen ties with Taiwan and provide more military support.
China's military exercises serve as a clear warning to Taiwan and the United States, indicating that it is ready and willing to take military action if necessary. However, such a move could have serious consequences, not just for the two sides but for the entire region.
The United States has pledged to support Taiwan, and any military action by China could trigger a response from the U.S. military. This could lead to a wider conflict that could destabilize the entire region and have far-reaching consequences.
As tensions continue to rise, it is important for all parties to exercise restraint and work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The United States, China, and Taiwan must engage in meaningful dialogue and find ways to address their differences without resorting to military action.
The world is watching the situation in the Taiwan Strait closely, and it is up to the leaders of these countries to ensure that their actions do not lead to a wider conflict that could have devastating consequences for everyone involved.
China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) Shandong aircraft carrier was seen encircling Taiwan in military exercises for the first time, sparking concerns that Taiwan may have to face future military maneuvers alone. Experts believe that the aircraft carrier's appearance in the Pacific Ocean could be used to prevent foreign militaries from coming to Taiwan's aid.
According to Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense, between Sunday and Monday, 70 planes were detected, with half of them crossing the median of the Taiwan Strait, an unofficial boundary once tacitly accepted by both sides. Among the planes that crossed the median were eight J-16 fighter jets, four J-1 fighters, eight Su-30 fighters and reconnaissance planes. Taiwan also tracked J-15 fighter jets, which are paired with the Shandong aircraft carrier.
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This follows a day between Friday and Saturday, in which eight warships and 71 planes were detected near Taiwan. China's military harassment of Taiwan has intensified in recent years, with planes or ships sent towards the island almost daily, with the numbers rising in reaction to sensitive activities.
Meanwhile, the US 7th Fleet said its missile destroyer USS Milius sailed by Mischief Reef in a freedom of navigation operation. China has built an artificial island on the sea feature to stake its claim to the disputed territory. The Chinese military's southern command has accused the US of "illegally trespassing" into waters near the reef without its permission.