China has recently launched large-scale military drills around Taiwan, accusing the island’s leaders of being “separatists” and “parasites” who are pushing the region into war. The drills, which were accompanied by a propaganda campaign, were launched without warning by China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) as a “stern warning” to Taiwan’s democratically elected government over what Beijing claims to be separatist activity.
Forces from the PLA Navy, Army, and Rocket Force were approaching Taiwan from multiple directions, focusing on combat readiness patrols at sea and in the air, as well as imposing blockade controls on key areas and routes. Taiwan’s defence ministry reported detecting 19 PLA ships around Taiwan, including the Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong. In response, Taiwan’s military deployed aircraft, Navy ships, and coastal missile systems.
Beijing claims Taiwan as Chinese territory and is building military capability to seize it by force, using drills and other coercive means to pressure Taiwan. Taiwan operates as a sovereign state with its own democratically elected government, military, and currency, strongly opposing the prospect of Chinese rule.
The PLA released propaganda videos and posters depicting a full-scale assault on Taiwan and targeting Taiwan’s president as a “parasite courting ultimate destruction.” These drills are seen as a response to Taiwan’s pro-independence stance and tough measures against China under the current government.
The drills differ from past efforts and are seen as a response to Taiwan’s recent actions, including branding China as a “foreign hostile force” and countering its influence and espionage operations. The US has also emphasized its support for Taiwan and deterring China from attacking the island.
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