Fighter jets, drones, warships, amphibious vehicles – China is once again practicing the invasion of Taiwan. But this year the provocations and threatening gestures are particularly strong.
Taiwan has responded to increasing military activity by Chinese forces in recent days with a comprehensive exercise to strengthen defense preparedness. Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng told reporters in Taipei on Friday that 24 Chinese fighter jets entered Taiwan’s airspace within 24 hours.
He spoke of “unusual military activities” by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army with fighter jets, drones, warships and amphibious vehicles. China is rehearsing landing maneuvers for its armed forces in Fujian Province, opposite Taiwan.
Increased tensions
The People’s Republic of China’s activities increased tensions in the region and threatened regional stability, Taiwan Defense Ministry spokesman Sun Li-fang told Reuters. The joint exercise between Taiwan’s air and land forces would simulate defense against a possible invasion. Taiwan will do everything it can to defend its people and its sovereignty.
Just a week ago, China demonstrated its military power and flew more than 100 combat aircraft towards Taiwan within 24 hours, and more than 40 penetrated Taiwan’s air defense zone.
“A lot of warships on the way”
The People’s Republic of China conducts extensive military exercises around Taiwan from July to September every year, said Huang Wen-chi of the Taiwanese Defense Ministry at a press conference in Taipei. But this year the threatening gestures are particularly strong. “There are a lot of warships in the waters around Taiwan. Not just the Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong. We are monitoring this closely and will respond if necessary,” Huang said.
Just a few days ago, China’s Vice President Han Zheng reaffirmed China’s claim to Taiwan before the United Nations General Assembly. He warned against underestimating “the determination, strong will and power of the Chinese people” to protect “its sovereignty and territorial unity.” The government in Beijing considers Taiwan to be its own part of the country.
Is it all just a show?
On the streets of Taipei, growing tensions with China and increasing military activity around the island are being acknowledged with equanimity.
“Such military exercises by the People’s Liberation Army have taken place again and again in the past,” said Huang Chung-en, a 22-year-old student, to a reporter from the Reuters news agency. “Our media constantly reports on such exercises. It’s all just a show; China wouldn’t launch a real attack.”
Student Chou Yu-san also sees no real danger of war: “I don’t think it will happen. There is also the USA, they will defend us.”
US President Joe Biden has repeatedly assured Taiwan of protection in the event of a Chinese attack. It was only at the end of August that the president approved a military aid package for Taiwan that is normally only granted to sovereign states.