China Conducts Military Exercises around Taiwan in Response to Vice President's US Visit

Beijing: China has initiated military drills encircling Taiwan, characterizing them as a "stern warning" in the aftermath of Taiwan's vice president, William Lai, making a stopover in the United States. Lai, a prominent figure in Taiwan's upcoming presidential election, halted in New York and returned via San Francisco during a Paraguay trip, as one of the limited nations that still diplomatically recognize Taipei.

China labeled Lai a "troublemaker" on Saturday and pledged to take "decisive measures" to protect its national sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Chinese People's Liberation Army's Eastern Theatre Command announced the launch of joint air and sea patrols, accompanied by naval and air force military exercises around Taiwan, according to Xinhua, a state media outlet.

While the extent of the drills remains undisclosed, Xinhua reported their purpose as assessing the PLA's capacity to "seize control of air and sea spaces" and operate "under real combat conditions." Additionally, they serve as a "strong warning" against collusion between "Taiwan independence" advocates and foreign influences.

China's territorial claim over Taiwan has led to ongoing tensions, with the country not ruling out the use of force to gain control. Past instances of military exercises have coincided with diplomatic interactions between Taiwan and the United States, such as when Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan last year and when President Tsai Ing-wen met with top US officials during a transit.

The United States has sought to maintain calm over Lai's recent transit, categorizing it as routine travel. However, the Communist Party's Taiwan Work Office expressed strong condemnation, asserting that Lai's journey represented a new provocative move by his party, the DPP, to further align with the United States.

Critics of Lai, who has been more vocal about independence than President Tsai, deem his actions detrimental to Taiwan's stability. Lai's stance contradicts Beijing's perspective, which considers Taiwan an integral part of China.

During his visit, Lai reaffirmed his commitment to resisting annexation and upholding the principles of Tsai's administration. The former physician turned politician is recognized for his pragmatic stance on Taiwan's independence.

As tensions escalate in the region, China's military exercises underscore the geopolitical complexities surrounding Taiwan and its diplomatic relations.