China’s military conducted live-fire drills targeting Taiwan’s key ports and energy sites, amid rising tensions with the island and criticism from the US. The exercises, labeled “Strait Thunder-2025A,” focus on testing capabilities for blockades and precision strikes. In response, Taiwan condemned the actions, raising concerns about its vulnerability and US support.

On Wednesday, China’s military conducted live-fire drills, targeting crucial ports and energy facilities as part of exercises focused on Taiwan, the democratic island that China claims as its own. The drills, named “Strait Thunder-2025A,” were executed in the central and southern regions of the Taiwan Strait and the East China Sea, which is a vital passage for global trade.

During these exercises, the military reported carrying out long-range live-fire activities aimed at hitting simulated key infrastructure. According to Senior Colonel Shi Yi, spokesman for the Eastern Theater Command, the goals included testing troop capabilities in blockade and control, as well as precision strikes on pivotal targets. Notably, the Shandong aircraft carrier also participated in drills to assess its blockade capabilities.

Taiwan condemned these recent maneuvers, while China’s foreign ministry stated that punitive actions would persist until the Taiwanese leaders cease advocating for independence from the mainland. The situation remains sensitive, as Taiwan, home to 23 million people, stands at the center of tensions between China and the United States, its primary security ally.

The US State Department criticized Beijing’s assertive military actions and rhetoric, stating that such behavior escalates tensions and threatens regional and global security. Chinese leadership vehemently opposes US backing for Taiwan, directing disdain towards Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, whom they label as a separatist.

These drills follow a day after China mobilized its military to encircle Taiwan, conducting exercises purportedly aimed at practicing precision strikes and blockades. In response, Taiwan’s defense ministry reported engaging their air and maritime forces, detecting numerous Chinese military assets in proximity to the island.

Meng Xiangqing from the PLA National Defence University cautioningly noted Taiwan’s vulnerability regarding supply chains, particularly in energy resources, implying that any disruption would ultimately affect the island’s civilian population. Beijing’s intensified military operations and frequent large-scale exercises around Taiwan have raised concerns about a potential blockade or seizure of the territory.

Since Lai assumed office in May 2024, tensions have escalated, as he adopted a firmer stance on Taiwan’s sovereignty compared to previous leadership. While Taiwan considers itself sovereign, only a limited number of nations recognize its independence, and a series of measures have been introduced to combat growing Chinese influence.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized the importance of “robust, ready and credible deterrence” in the Taiwan Strait during a recent visit to the region. Analysts suggest that China employs continuous military pressure to test US support for Taiwan, while efforts to portray Lai as a provocateur may aim to influence Washington’s approach towards Taiwan.

The United States is legally obligated to provide arms to Taiwan, yet it has maintained a policy of strategic ambiguity regarding its military response to potential Chinese aggression. Historical context complicates the situation, as Communist China claims Taiwan as part of its territory, despite never having governed the island, which has a complex history of foreign rule and indigenous habitation.

In summary, China has intensified its military exercises in close proximity to Taiwan, practicing strikes on significant ports and energy infrastructure. Such maneuvers are perceived as intimidation tactics by the United States, amidst escalating tensions following Taiwan’s leadership change. With Taiwan asserting its sovereignty and the US reaffirming its commitment to the island, the situation remains precarious, warranting close international attention to prevent further escalation.

Original Source: www.kpvi.com

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