Relations between China and Taiwan have always been in the international spotlight. Recently, tensions in the region have heated up with the inauguration of Taiwan’s new President. How did China react to this? Let’s take a closer look at the military exercises carried out by China near the Taiwan border after the arrival of a new leader on the island.

 

Relations between China and Taiwan

Relations between China and Taiwan have been a central focus in East Asian regional politics for decades. Since officially separating in 1949, these two countries have continued to experience complex and complicated tensions. Although Taiwan considers itself an independent Republic of China, China views the island as an inseparable part of its territory.

Politically, relations between the two are tense and full of uncertainty. China often emphasizes the principle of “One Country, Two Systems”, while Taiwan insists on maintaining its own sovereignty.

Apart from that, factors such as economic, cultural and military interests also influence the dynamics of their relationship. Both parties have different views on many things, creating friction that is not easily resolved.

 

Reasons for China’s Military Exercises Near the Taiwan Border

Political relations between China and Taiwan have always been in the international spotlight and attracted the attention of many people. Recently, China conducted military exercises near the border with Taiwan after Taiwan’s new president was inaugurated. This action certainly raises big questions about the reasons behind this decision.

One of the main reasons why China carries out military exercises near the border with Taiwan is as a form of intimidation or political pressure on the new government led by President Tsai Ing-wen. In long-strained relations between the two countries, the military drills could be seen as an attempt to assert China’s military supremacy over the region.

Not only that, military exercises can also be interpreted as a response to the diplomatic or foreign policy steps taken by Taiwan recently. By moving closer to their borders, China may want to send a clear message that it will not hesitate to act if there is a threat to its territorial claims.

The historical and geopolitical context also influences the reasons behind these military exercises. As two entities that often clash over sovereignty issues, actions like this are nothing new in the dynamics of relations between China and Taiwan. The decision to carry out military exercises can also be seen as part of a long-term strategy to safeguard their overall national and regional interests.

 

Background to China’s Military Exercises Near the Taiwan Border

Tensions between China and Taiwan are nothing new in relations between the two countries. Since separation in 1949, political and security conflicts have continued to threaten stability in the East Asian region. In May 2020, Tsai Ing-wen was inaugurated as President of Taiwan for the second term.

Tsai’s pro-independence government has made Beijing increasingly uneasy. China refuses to recognize Taiwan’s independence and often applies political and military pressure in an effort to pressure Taipei to reunite with the mainland.

China’s military exercises near the border with Taiwan are part of their strategy to strengthen their regional dominance. In recent years, the frequency of these military exercises has increased significantly, creating greater tensions around the Taiwan Strait.

With a sensitive geopolitical position and political rivalries that have not yet subsided, the prospects for peace between China and Taiwan are still far from bright. This situation also affects the stability of the Asia-Pacific region as a whole.

 

Types of Military Training Conducted

In the midst of tensions between China and Taiwan, China often carries out various types of military exercises near the Taiwan border. These exercises are carried out with the aim of strengthening its military presence in the region.

One type of military exercise that is often carried out by China is simulating air and sea attacks. This aims to increase troop readiness to face potential conflicts in the seas around Taiwan.

Apart from that, China often carries out artillery shooting exercises as part of its defense strategy. With strong artillery capabilities, China can show its military strength to Taiwan and other neighboring countries.

Not only that, sending aircraft carriers and fighter planes to the waters around Taiwan is also a type of military exercise that is often carried out by China. This is certainly surprising the situation is getting tense between the two parties.

Taiwan’s reaction to this military exercise

In the face of Chinese military exercises near its borders, Taiwan shows a vigilant attitude and is ready to protect its sovereignty. The newly inaugurated President of Taiwan, Tsai Ing-wen, must lead her country wisely in dealing with this situation so as to remain calm but not be careless about potential threats from China. Both parties need to maintain good communication and find diplomatic solutions to prevent conflict escalation that could endanger stability in the Asia Pacific region. Hopefully relations between China and Taiwan can improve in the future for the sake of mutual peace and prosperity.