China to conduct military exercises around Taiwan as a precautionary measure

China Announces Military Drills Around Taiwan

The Chinese military has announced plans for a series of live-fire exercises around Taiwan, which will take place in five zones surrounding the island. The drills are scheduled to begin on Tuesday at 00:00 GMT and will last for 10 hours.

According to the Eastern Theatre Command, the exercises will focus on training for maritime and aerial combat readiness patrols, gaining integrated control, sealing off key ports and areas, and conducting multi-dimensional deterrence. The military has also stated that the drills are aimed at testing its combat readiness and delivering a “stern warning” against separatist forces.

The announcement comes amid tensions between China and Taiwan over an $11.1 billion arms sale to the island by the United States. Chinese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi had previously suggested that Japan could get involved if China were to attack Taiwan, which Beijing considers part of its territory.

The drills will take place in five zones around Taiwan: the Taiwan Straits and areas to the north, southwest, southeast, and east of the island. The military has advised any irrelevant vessels or aircraft not to enter the designated waters and airspace during the exercises.

This is the sixth major round of war games by China since 2022, following a visit by then-US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan in 2022. The Chinese military has released a poster titled “Shields of Justice: Smashing Illusions” featuring two golden shields emblazoned with the PLA insignia and the Great Wall of China.

Taiwan’s defence ministry has also taken steps to monitor Chinese activities, deploying aircraft and naval assets as well as missile systems around the island. The Taiwanese President has stated that the island must continue to raise the cost of aggression and strengthen its indigenous defense capabilities to deter China.

Source: Al Jazeera