Wed Oct 16 14:56:41 UTC 2024: ## China’s Military Drills Encircle Taiwan, Raising Risk of Conflict
**Taipei, Taiwan/Hong Kong** – China has conducted large-scale military exercises this week, encircling Taiwan and simulating a blockade of the island. This action is seen as a demonstration of China’s growing military might and its commitment to preventing Taiwan’s independence.
The drills involved a record number of Chinese warplanes crossing the informal boundary between China and Taiwan, Chinese Coast Guard boats joining naval ships in encircling the island, and fighter jets taking off from an aircraft carrier positioned off Taiwan’s east coast.
These exercises were designed to demonstrate China’s ability to cut off Taiwan’s access to food and fuel, as well as block the skies and waters that the US and its allies would likely use to defend the island.
The drills highlighted China’s increasing coordination of complex military operations, involving a range of military, coast guard, and rocket forces. However, they also raise concerns about the risk of accidental or intentional confrontation, potentially drawing the US and its Asian allies into the conflict.
China’s sustained military pressure on Taiwan is creating a “new normal” for the island, constantly testing its defenses and increasing pressure for Taiwan to surrender without a fight.
This is the second time in less than five months that China has conducted such exercises in response to what it perceives as pro-separatist remarks by Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te. This contrasts with the two similar drills held during the eight years of his predecessor, Tsai Ing-wen’s presidency.
Experts like Brian Hart, a fellow with the China Power Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, believe that China is “normalizing” the use of these large-scale military operations under President Lai’s administration. They see these actions as a clear warning that China will respond forcefully to perceived provocations from Taiwan.
First Piper 