Beijing’s latest military encirclement demonstrates a growing capability to choke off Taiwan, a move experts say is backfiring by pushing the United States to offer the island nation stronger security guarantees.
China’s Ministry of National Defense said it had completed its drills surrounding the island, describing them as a test of the troops’ integrated joint operations capabilities, in a statement released on Dec. 31.
The exercises began on Dec. 29 with coordinated operations across five zones encircling Taiwan, involving units from the army, navy, air force, and rocket force, and were followed by long-range live-fire drills on Dec. 30.
While the Chinese regime on Dec. 29 claimed the drills aim to curb forces that “endanger peace and stability” across the Taiwan Strait, the operation drew sharp rebuke from Taiwan and key international partners who identified the maneuvers as the true source of instability….
Beijing’s Blockade Around Taiwan Risks War, Strengthens US Support: Analysts
