Taipei - China conducted military exercises around Taiwan for the second day in a row on Sunday, including simulated precision strikes against the island. The drills began on Saturday, shortly after Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen returned from a visit to the United States. China claims sovereignty over Taiwan, which is a self-governing democracy.
The Chinese military conducted combat readiness patrols and exercises around Taiwan, with multiple units carrying out simulated joint precision strikes on key targets on the island and its surrounding sea areas. Chinese state media reported that these drills were ongoing.
The Taiwan defence ministry reported that it had monitored multiple air force sorties and was keeping an eye on China's missile forces. The ministry observed 58 Chinese aircraft and nine ships around Taiwan, including fighters, bombers, and anti-submarine drills. The ministry paid particular attention to China's Rocket Force, responsible for its land-based missile system.
Taiwan's military reiterated that it would not escalate conflicts or cause disputes and would respond appropriately to China's drills.
China has been increasing its military pressure against Taiwan over the past three years, conducting regular missions around the island without entering its territorial airspace or over the island itself.
The Taiwan defense ministry reported on Sunday that it had spotted 71 Chinese air force aircraft and nine navy vessels around Taiwan in the previous 24 hours. Half of those aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, which has unofficially served as a barrier between the two sides for years.
Chinese state media confirmed that the aircraft were armed with live weapons, and Taiwan's air force jets typically carry live weapons when they scramble to intercept Chinese incursions.
Taiwan's Ocean Affairs Council released footage on its YouTube channel showing one of its ships shadowing a Chinese warship, while a Taiwanese warship accompanied the Coast Guard ship in a "standoff" with the Chinese warship
In August 2022, civilian air traffic was disrupted after China announced effective no-fly zones in several blocks close to Taiwan, where it was firing missiles.
Life as usual in Taiwan
Despite the ongoing military drills by China around Taiwan, life in Taiwan has not been disrupted, and there have been no signs of panic. Last year, China conducted war games around Taiwan after a visit to Taipei by then-U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. This time, China has not announced similar drills, though it has conducted combat readiness patrols and exercises.
Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen recently visited the United States and met with current House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, despite warnings from Beijing. The United States is monitoring China's drills around Taiwan closely and is "comfortable and confident" it has sufficient regional resources and capabilities to maintain peace and stability, according to the de facto U.S. embassy in Taiwan.
Although Washington severed diplomatic relations with Taipei in 1979, it is obligated by law to provide the island with the means to defend itself. China, however, has never ruled out the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control, and tensions over the issue remain a frequent source of friction in U.S.-China relations.
While Beijing considers President Tsai a separatist and has refused her calls for talks, she maintains that the future of Taiwan should be decided by its people.