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Dante Raeburn
China’s Military Exercises Named ‘Strait Thunder’ Heighten Tensions Around Taiwan
China’s military drills around Taiwan, termed “Strait Thunder-2025A,” continue amid escalating tensions. The exercises focus on blockading and precision strikes, following criticisms from U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te continues to reject Beijing’s claims, with the international community—including the U.S. and EU—raising concerns about regional stability.
China’s military has initiated a second day of drills surrounding Taiwan, now designated as “Strait Thunder-2025A.” These exercises aim to enhance their blockade capabilities and precision strike operations. The move comes amidst escalating anti-Taiwan rhetoric from Beijing following U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s visit to Asia, during which he criticized China’s actions.
China considers Taiwan, a self-governing democratic entity, as part of its territory and has labeled President Lai Ching-te a “separatist.” Lai, who took office last year, firmly rejects Beijing’s claims, asserting that the future of Taiwan must be determined by its people. The drills are being conducted in the central and southern regions of the Taiwan Strait, with several of Taiwan’s outlying islands situated close to mainland China.
According to China’s Eastern Theatre Command, the exercises are focused on areas such as identification and verification, interception and detention, as well as joint blockade and control. A senior official from Taiwan’s security reported that more than ten Chinese warships were present in Taiwan’s response zone, with the coast guard conducting harassment drills.
Previously, China had not formally named a round of drills conducted on Tuesday and had labelled two significant war games last year as Joint Sword-2024A and Joint Sword-2024B. The United States has condemned these military activities, emphasizing that such aggressive posturing increases tensions in the region and jeopardizes global prosperity. Both Japan and the European Union have also voiced their concerns regarding the situation in the Taiwan Strait.
The EU’s position highlights its vested interest in maintaining the status quo in the Taiwan Strait, denouncing any unilateral actions that aim to alter this situation through force or coercion.
In summary, China’s recent military drills around Taiwan, named “Strait Thunder-2025A,” reflect heightened tensions as Beijing seeks to demonstrate its military capabilities. The international community, including the U.S., Japan, and the EU, has expressed significant concern regarding these developments, emphasizing the risks posed to regional security and global stability. The situation remains a focal point of geopolitical tension, particularly with Taiwan’s leadership reaffirming its commitment to self-determination.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
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