Taiwan Warns of Escalating Chinese Military Drills, Simulated Attacks 

By Yangchen Lhamu

DHARAMSALA, 26 Sept: Taiwan’s Defence Ministry reported an alarming surge in Chinese warplane activity off its eastern, western, and southern shores on Thursday over a 24-hour period. This surge comes amid suspicions that China is conducting simulated attack drills to prevent foreign assistance in the event of a conflict, as reported by The Economic Times.

According to Taiwan’s Defence Ministry, Chinese military movements have escalated, with 43 aircraft tracked around the island in the past day, featuring at least 11 breaches of the Taiwan Strait’s median line.

The ministry has further added that almost half of the Chinese aircraft, 23, took a detour around Taiwan, passing through the Bashi Channel separating Taiwan from the Philippines and flying along the island’s east coast without crossing into Taiwanese airspace. The Ministry announced that Chinese air forces were engaged in extended-range manoeuvres encircling Taiwan.

Citing a source, the report added that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is conducting simulated attacks in the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea, aimed at enhancing its capabilities in blocking foreign involvement in potential regional conflicts.

In addition to existing exercises, China’s air force has conducted drills to establish air dominance in waters off Taiwan’s southwest and practised air refuelling near the Bashi Channel.

Meanwhile, China’s defence ministry remained silent on the recent military drills near Taiwan. This development follows China’s comprehensive war games in late May, subsequent to President Tsai Ing-wen’s inauguration. 

The report concluded by stating that Beijing has expressed strong opposition to Lai Ching-te, categorising him as a ‘separatist’ due to his advocacy for Taiwan’s self-determination.

The Chinese Communist government considers Taiwan a breakaway province that Xi Jinping vows to reunite with China, even at the cost of “force,” while Taiwan asserts its sovereignty, vowing to defend its status quo. With the strong backing of the US government and the growing support of European countries, Xi’s ambition for Taiwan’s invasion is greatly challenged.