China’s military conducted “live-fire” drills targeting Taiwan, prompting U.S. criticisms and escalating tensions. The drills, part of exercise “Strait Thunder-2025A,” practiced precision strikes on key infrastructure, reflecting China’s increasing military pressure on Taiwan and its responses to U.S. support for the island. Taiwan remains vigilant amidst these developments as it emphasizes its sovereignty.

On Wednesday, China’s military conducted “live-fire” drills practicing attacks on important ports and energy facilities targeting Taiwan. These maneuvers were labeled by the U.S. as “intimidation tactics” and emerged following remarks from Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te who denounced China as a “foreign hostile force.” The exercise, named “Strait Thunder-2025A,” occurred in the middle and southern regions of the Taiwan Strait and the East China Sea, critical areas for global shipping.

The Chinese military stated that these drills involved “long-range live-fire exercises” and targeted “simulated key ports and energy facilities.” Senior Colonel Shi Yi, spokesperson for the Eastern Theater Command, noted that the objective was to assess troop capabilities in “blockade and control, and precision strikes on key targets.” The presence of China’s Shandong aircraft carrier was also reported, conducting operations to test its blockade capabilities.

Taipei has condemned the drills, which escalate tensions between China and the U.S., Taiwan’s primary security partner. In response to Beijing’s aggressive military posturing, the U.S. State Department underscored that such actions threaten regional security and global prosperity. Chinese authorities have expressed strong disapproval of U.S. support for Taiwan and described President Lai as a “separatist.”

On the day prior to the drills, Beijing surrounded Taiwan with its military forces, claiming these activities were meant for practicing precision strikes and blockading the island. This prompted Taiwan to execute a “Rapid Response Exercise.” Taiwan’s defense ministry noted the deployment of 21 warships, including the Shandong carrier group, the highest daily count in nearly a year.

Additionally, Chinese propaganda efforts intensified with visual portrayals of military tactics against Taiwan. Meng Xiangqing from the PLA National Defence University cautioned that Taiwan might face significant supply chain disruptions due to its limited energy resources, ultimately affecting ordinary citizens.

In recent years, China has escalated military pressure on Taiwan, organizing multiple exercises viewed as preparation for potential territorial claims. Increased tensions follow President Lai’s inauguration in May 2024, during which he adopted a firmer stance on Taiwan’s sovereignty. Despite Taiwan’s self-identification as an independent country, international recognition remains sparse, with only 11 nations acknowledging its statehood.

President Lai has proposed strategies to counteract rising Chinese espionage activities. During a recent visit, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth committed to maintaining a “robust, ready, and credible deterrence” in the region. Analysts suggest that China is consistently testing the boundaries of U.S. support for Taiwan and its regional allies, portraying President Lai as an instigator to achieving its strategic goals.

The ongoing military exercises conducted by China demonstrate their increasing assertiveness regarding Taiwan. Such actions have drawn international condemnation, particularly from the United States, which remains committed to supporting Taiwan’s sovereignty amid escalating tensions. The situation signifies a critical juncture for regional stability, highlighting the necessity for robust deterrent measures and diplomatic engagement to mitigate potential conflicts over Taiwan.

Original Source: www.kten.com

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