China Launches Military Exercises Near Taiwan, Calls Taiwanese President a Parasite

What Happened?

China launched a series of military exercises of the north, south, and east coast of Taiwan while Chinese state media called Taiwan’s President a “parasite.” 

Beijing's Eastern Theatre Command issued a statement saying China's military deployed ships, aircraft, and artillery to practice blockading the island of Taiwan. It also conducted strikes on ground and maritime targets, and air interception to test forces coordination in combat.

In response Taiwan sent its own warships towards the Chinese naval vessels, but exactly how close the two opposing forces came to each other remains unclear. 

According to Reuters, Taiwan's government condemned the Chinese drills, with the presidential office saying China was "widely recognized by the international community as a troublemaker."

Why it Matters

China regards Taiwan as Chinese territory, but Taiwan considers itself to be an independent nation. In the last few years China has steadily intensified both rhetoric about Taiwan and military exercises near the island nation. 

The rhetoric and military activities raise an important question: does China really intend to invade Taiwan or are China’s actions designed to intimidate Taiwan into doing Beijing’s bidding?

There is ample evidence China has significantly expanded its military capabilities by spending more money and acquiring new technologies. The newfound military capabilities have given China a new policy making tool, enabling Beijing to use frequent exercises near Taiwan to intimidate the Taiwanese government and civilian population.

At the same time, China’s own military planners are likely aware that Taiwan would be an insurgent’s paradise. With large, densely populated cities and rugged mountainous terrain, Taiwan would provide potential insurgents with a range of options for resisting a Chinese invasion for a long period of time. 

That means even though China would likely prevail in a direct military conflict, maintaining control of Taiwan after an invasion would be a major headache for China’s armed forces. 

China’s military exercises near Taiwan have grown in frequency and intensity. But they have stopped just short of engaging in open conflict with Taiwanese forces. 

It is difficult to tell if these exercises are rehearsals for a future invasion or just a method by which Beijing can compel Taiwan to do its bidding without starting an actual war. It is likely the ambiguity is intentional, because China stands to benefit either way. 

At the same time, the harsh rhetoric and shows of force serve a domestic purpose for Beijing. It satisfies the growing number of Chinese nationalists who favor taking a stronger stance towards Taiwan. 

The recent actions towards Taiwan make Beijing look tough to Chinese nationalists without obligating China to conduct a full-scale war. 

How it Affects You

The Trump Administration has made clear it regards China as the principal focus of its future military and defense strategy. A Chinese invasion of Taiwan would put the United States in a difficult position. 

Without external help Taiwan would likely fall but American involvement would likely trigger a direct war between the United States and China.