China Commences Second Day of Military Exercises Near Taiwan to Assess Capability for 'Power Seizure'

China launches the second day of military exercises close to Taiwan, aiming to evaluate its readiness for potentially seizing power. These maneuvers, seen as provocative by Taiwan and the international community, heighten tensions in the region. China's actions underscore its assertive stance towards Taiwan and its determination to assert control over the island, which it considers a renegade province. The exercises prompt concerns about potential escalation and raise questions about regional stability and security.

BEIJING/TAIPEI, May 24 (Reuters) - Commencing its second day on Friday, China's military conducted war games near Taiwan, focusing on seizing power and securing strategic locations. These exercises were initiated purportedly as a response to Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te. 

Spanning two days, the drills occurred in the Taiwan Strait and near islands controlled by Taiwan, close to the Chinese coastline, coinciding with Lai's recent assumption of office. Taiwan has denounced China's maneuvers as provocative.

China, considering democratically governed Taiwan as its territory and labeling Lai as a "separatist," criticized his inauguration speech, wherein he urged Beijing to cease its threats and emphasized the equal status of both sides of the strait. The Eastern Theatre Command of the People's Liberation Army affirmed in a concise statement that its forces proceeded with their exercises on Friday, under the name "Joint Sword - 2024A".

The exercises aim to evaluate the capability for coordinated power seizure, joint attacks, and occupation of strategic areas, as stated. China has consistently refused to rule out the possibility of using force to assert control over Taiwan. Taiwan's military mobilized to surveil and shadow Chinese forces. 

The defense ministry released images of F-16s armed with live missiles patrolling the skies. Additionally, images of Chinese coast guard vessels and Jiangdao-class corvettes participating in the drills were provided, although the precise locations were not specified.

Despite Lai's repeated offers for dialogue, China has consistently rejected them. Lai emphasizes that Taiwan's future should be determined solely by its people and dismisses Beijing's claims of sovereignty. Taiwan is accustomed to China's military intimidations, and the recent drills haven't sparked significant alarm on the island, where daily life continues unaffected. 

On China's tightly controlled Weibo platform, "Eastern Theatre" was the most searched term, with many comments expressing support for the exercises. Another trending topic was "the reunification of Taiwan."

In 1949, the defeated Republic of China government relocated to Taiwan following a loss in the civil war against Mao Zedong's communists, who established the People's Republic of China. Despite being officially named the Republic of China, Taiwan is recognized diplomatically by only 12 countries, mostly small developing nations like Palau and Guatemala. 

According to a commentary in the People's Daily, the official newspaper of China's Communist Party, it is a shared belief among the Chinese people that the nation's territory should remain intact, avoiding chaos and division. The recent actions of Taiwan's leader will supposedly hasten the decline of pro-independence forces on the island, the commentary asserted. China expressed willingness to provide ample opportunity for peaceful reunification but firmly opposes any separatist activities in Taiwan. 

Analysts, regional diplomats, and senior Taiwan officials observed that the current drills were of smaller scale compared to similar exercises in 2022 and were anticipated by both Taiwanese and foreign officials. Nevertheless, they highlighted the increased risk of accidents or misjudgments. Beijing's actions are interpreted as a cautious warning that Chinese forces could swiftly implement a blockade to assert control over Lai's administration.

Source: Reuters‍