https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/china-holds-military-drills-taiwan-warn-independence-rcna175231
In recent days there have been many reports of China performing military drills near the north, south, and east borders of Taiwan. It was reporting that China was issuing these drills to work on collaboration between their army, navy, and air force. However there is much speculation that these drills were in response to Taiwan’s President, Lai Ching-te, who had given a speech on Taiwan’s National Day. A few days after the exercises Lai’s team held a meeting discussing the level of the threat and national security. They had to discuss what was the “proper” response. The US has also been outspoken in members of the Pentagon speaking out on their disapproval of the drills. The Pentagon is sourced in saying the drills were “irresponsible, disproportionate and destabilizing.” Chang Wu-ueh, director of the Center for Cross-Strait Relations at Tamkang University in Taiwan, spoke out and said that the exercises were within reason. Through all of this Taiwanese people have stated they are not afraid of China invading anytime soon.
Over the past months especially there has been rising tension between China and Taiwan. With China openly showing their disapproval of Taiwan seeking independence. If the tension continues to grow, the neighboring region’s economies and standing with China and Taiwan may falter. There are also the growing conflicts in the South China Sea. China is openly grasping for control of more territory which will cause up roar in the international community.
Taiwan has showed no sign of any military response but also does not see China as a massive threat. China, on the other hand, has shown more signs of becoming more forceful. There will probably be more push back in the coming weeks with Taiwan continuing to be unmoved by China’s threats. China will most likely continue showing disdain and push for control over Taiwan. They have now showed signs of not being afraid of using military power but there is still the debate if their military is strong enough to withstand taking control of a state.
In class there have been many discussions about China becoming one of the top world powers. One of the weaker aspects of the power is their military. So their recent threats or intimidation tactics against Taiwan show a possible strengthening of their military powers. In recent classes there have been discussions about how one of the solutions of conflict is dominance and China is showing clear signs of possibly pushing to gain dominance over Taiwan.