Will China’s latest military drills push Taiwan closer to conflict?
China has started large-scale military exercises around Taiwan, deploying army, navy, and rocket forces in a show of strength. This move comes after Taiwan’s newly elected President, Lai Ching-te, referred to Beijing as a “foreign hostile force” last month.
The drills began on Tuesday, April 1, around Taiwan, with China framing it as a “stern warning” against separatism. Taiwan’s government quickly responded by dispatching warships to monitor the situation.
China considers Taiwan as part of its territory and has never ruled out the use of force to bring it under control. Beijing sees President Lai as a pro-independence leader and has intensified its rhetoric against him.
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How is Taiwan Reacting?
Taiwan’s government strongly condemned the drills, calling China a “troublemaker” in the region. The island’s military has deployed ships and aircraft to track Chinese movements and activated missile defense systems.
What’s Next?
While China has not fired any live ammunition yet, the presence of its warships and aircraft near Taiwan raises concerns of further escalation. The world is closely watching how both sides handle the rising tensions.
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