China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) launched a military exercise around the island of Taiwan on May 23 “with the aim of punishing ‘Taiwan independence’ secessionist forces and sending a warning to external interference forces following the separatist movement of Taiwan’s regional leader, Lai Ching-te. inaugural speech on May 20,” the Global Times newspaper reported.
The aim is to demonstrate the PLA’s strike capability in all directions of the island without any blind spots, “creating a situation where the island is stuck on both sides”, said the experts. This operation should last until May 24.
A vast device
China launched its largest military maneuvers in a year in the strait on May 23 at 7:45 a.m. as “severe punishment” against “independence forces”. said a spokesperson for the Eastern Theater of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
The operation “Joint Sword 2024A” deployed combat aircraft and ships around the island in vast maneuvers simulating a blockade of the territory of 23 million inhabitants. These operations aim to “ test joint real combat capabilities » involving the Navy, Air Force and the rocket unit that commands the PLA’s powerful missile force.
Taipei denounced a “provocative military behavior” and took off its fighters urgently, notably from the Hsinchu base, where Mirage 2000s are stationed, very close to the capital. “ It is regrettable to see China engaging in unilateral and provocative military behavior that threatens Taiwan’s democracy and freedom as well as regional peace and stability.”declared Karen Kuo, spokesperson for the Taiwanese presidency, in a press release. “Faced with external challenges and threats, we will continue to defend democracy”she stressed.
This show of force comes three days after the arrival at the head of Taiwan of Lai Ching-te, elected in January 2024. These operations are clearly a warning to the new leader as well as to his Western supporters, including the United States.
These military maneuvers are a “ stern warning against interference from outside forces » supported the PLA while the Biden administration approved $300 million in military sales to Taipei, on the eve of the January 13 election.
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China accuses Lai Ching-te, described in the past as “dangerous separatist”To have done ” confession of independence » during his inauguration speech delivered on May 20. The leader of the Democratic and Progressive Party (PDP), however, avoided crossing this “red line” during his speech, placing himself in line with his predecessor Tsai Ing-Wen.
While he presented himself as a “ architect of independence ” in the past, he has since decided to moderate his positions during his electoral campaign, promising to defend the status quo in the Strait, while resisting ” external threats » by promoting “ democracy“.
“Punish the secessionist forces”
China has been increasing air incursions into the Taiwanese air defense zone (ADIZ) for several years. Its fighters and bombers have regularly crossed the median line of the strait since the visit to Taipei of Nancy Pelosi, then Speaker of the House of Representatives, in August 2022.
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However, China had reduced its activities in recent months in the run-up to the election in Taiwan, so as not to frighten voters, and during the transfer of power. However, Beijing closely scrutinized the new leader’s first public address.
However, following Lai Ching-te’s speech, China strongly criticized his positions and launched military operations. “The current military exercises carried out by the People’s Liberation Army around the island of Taiwan are aimed at resolutely punishing the provocative statements of the leader of the Taiwan region,” assured Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, during a press briefing.
These maneuvers should be followed by others, according to experts, because Beijing has not changed its strategy and intentions regarding its 23rd province. “Lai’s victory does not call into question Beijing’s vision. On the contrary, it confirms to the leadership that only the military threat will prevent Taiwan from taking the step towards independence. The pressure will increase”Shi Yinhong, professor at Renmin University in Beijing, told Agence France Presse.
For its part, Taipei scrupulously monitors incursions into its waters, particularly off the island of Kinmen, located not far from the coast of Fujian, where an incident between its coast guard and Chinese fishermen had killed at least two between them last February.
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For many specialists, the risk of military escalation is considered limited in the short term as China tries to control its rivalry with Washington, in a context of growing domestic economic difficulties. “China is making a lot of noise, but if we look at its actions we see that stabilization with the United States remains the priority”Shi Yinhong felt.
