Topline
China on Monday announced plans to restart military drills around Taiwan in response to a U.S. Congressional delegation’s weekend visit to the island that Beijing considers part of its territory.
In this photo released by the Taiwan Presidential Office, Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen exchanges … [+]
Key Facts
In an official statement, the Chinese military’s eastern theater command said it has organized a combat readiness patrol and exercises in the “sea and airspace around Taiwan.”
The intent behind the drill is to serve a deterrent to “continued political tricks” by the U.S. and Taiwan to “undermine peace and stability” in the region, the statement adds.
China’s defense ministry also angrily reacted to the U.S. delegation’s visit, stating that it “flagrantly violates” China’s sovereignty and the one-China principle—which Washington insists it is continuing to adhere to.
The extent or duration of these new drills—which come less than a week after China ended its largest military drill around the islands—is unclear.
The bipartisan delegation led by Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) met with senior Taiwanese officials on Monday including President Tsai Ing-wen, according to the American Institute in Taiwan—the de facto U.S. embassy on the island.
Crucial Quote
In a statement delivered to the press, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said: “A handful of U.S. politicians, in collusion with the separatist forces of Taiwan independence, are trying to challenge the one-China principle, which is out of their depth and doomed to failure.” The delegation previously noted discussions on “U.S.-Taiwan relations, regional security, trade and investment, global supply chains, climate change, and other significant issues” as the reason behind their visit.
Key Background
The congressional delegation arrived in Taiwan on Sunday, marking the second major visit by U.S. lawmakers to the island this month. Aside from Sen. Markey, the delegation also includes Reps. John Garamendi (D-Calif.), Alan Lowenthal (D-Calif.), Don Beyer (D-Va.), and Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen, (R-American Samoa). The latest visit comes just weeks after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi became the most high profile U.S. official to visit Taiwan in 25-years, despite China’s warnings. Angered by the visit, Beijing ordered its military to carry out its biggest-ever military exercises surrounding the self-ruled island it considers as part of its territory. As part of the drills, China carried out the test launch of ballistic missiles across the Taiwan Strait—including some of which flew over the island. The exercises officially ended on Wednesday—three days later than its originally scheduled end—but the Chinese military said it plans to carry out regular patrols near the island.
Tangent
Last week, Beijing also announced an update to its long-standing Taiwan policy, rescinding an earlier promise to “not send troops or administrative personnel” to the island after achieving “reunification.” Previous reunification proposals by Beijing included the so-called “one country, two systems” offer—similar to what was implemented in Hong Kong. But China’s President Xi Jinping—who stands on the cusp of an unprecedented third term—has appeared to be less willing to allow any autonomy to China’s special administrative regions as evidenced by the recent brutal crackdowns on anti-government protests in Hong Kong along with sweeping changes to the city’s security laws.
Further Reading
China announces new drills as US delegation visits Taiwan (Associated Press)
Beijing Updates Taiwan Policy Rescinding Earlier Promise To Not Send Troops To Island (Forbes)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/siladityaray/2022/08/15/china-declares-fresh-military-drills-around-taiwan-after-more-us-lawmakers-visit/