Taiwan’s military has detected more than 50 Chinese planes and warships near the island during massive military drills. Tensions are reaching an unprecedented level in the Taiwan Strait, causing concern among the international community…
Military maneuvers of an unprecedented scale carried out by China have increased tension a further notch in the Taiwan Strait. The Taiwanese army announced this Wednesday, December 11, that it had spotted no less than 53 military aircraft and 19 Chinese warships operating near the island over the last 24 hours.
It is the largest Chinese military deployment seen around Taiwan in recent years, reflecting escalating tensions between Beijing and Taipei. The maneuvers, notably involving fighter planes and an aircraft carrier, lasted all day Monday according to the Taiwanese Ministry of Defense.
A worrying show of force
China, which considers Taiwan as a rebel province destined to reintegrate into its fold, is increasing military and diplomatic pressure actions on the democratic island. These large-scale exercises, dubbed “encirclement” by Taipei, aim to demonstrate the Chinese military’s ability to isolate and invade Taiwan if necessary.
Beijing’s objective is clear: to gradually suffocate Taiwan to force reunification.
Analyzes a regional expert wishing to remain anonymous
China intensifies its maneuvers
Since Xi Jinping came to power, China has significantly strengthened its military posture in the Taiwan Strait. Air and sea incursions have increased, with peaks during visits by American officials or Taiwanese military exercises. In response, Taiwan is strengthening its defense capabilities with help from the United States.
Washington is closely monitoring
The United States, Taiwan’s main ally, is monitoring developments very closely. Washington reaffirmed its support for the islandwhile calling on Beijing to show restraint. U.S. officials have raised the possibility of a military deployment to Japan in the event of a major crisis across the strait.
We will continue to help Taiwan maintain sufficient self-defense capacity.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken said
Risk of regional conflagration
Chinese maneuvers raise fears of a risk of incident, which could degenerate into open conflict and ignite the entire region. Neighboring countries, such as Japan and South Korea, fear the repercussions of a possible Sino-American confrontation. The international community calls on all parties to exercise restraint and dialogue.
- Taiwan strengthens its defenses and prepares for conflict
- The United States reaffirms its military and political support
- The risk of an incident that could degenerate worries the region
Maintain peace and stability
Faced with growing pressure from China, Taiwan is striving to preserve its democratic way of life and its hard-won autonomy. The island is seeking support from the international community to counter Beijing’s attempts at intimidation and maintain the status quo across the strait.
We will not give in to threats. We will defend our freedom and our democracy.
insisted Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen
For many experts, only peaceful dialogue and confidence-building measures between all parties will make it possible to sustainably reduce tensions in the region. The stakes are high: preserving peace and stability in this strategic space, crucial for global balance.
These unprecedented Chinese military maneuvers around Taiwan illustrate the rapid deterioration of the situation in the strait. The democratic island, caught between the ambitions of Beijing and the support of Washington, finds itself on the front line of a confrontation which could ignite the entire Indo-Pacific region. The international community is holding its breath, aware of the risks of a conflict with disastrous consequences.
