China on Wednesday (Apr 2) announced new exercises in sensitive waters near Taiwan. This is the second consecutive day of drills around the self-ruled island that China claims as its own.
In a statement, Senior Colonel Shi Yi, spokesperson of the Chinese military's Eastern Theatre Command, said that the latest exercises aim to "test the troops' capabilities" in areas such as "blockade and control, and precision strikes on key targets".
These drills come after Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te called China a "foreign hostile force".&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-independence-means-war-with-19-warships-china-launches-military-exercises-around-taiwan-8911751">'Taiwan independence means war': With 19 warships, China launches military exercises around Taiwan</a>
<h2>Taiwan, US react</h2>
As per news agency AFP, Taiwan's defence ministry confirmed that the Chinese drills were happening but did not elaborate.
The United States, meanwhile, slammed the surprise manoeuvres as "intimidation tactics".
The State Department said that the "aggressive" military activities in the sensitive waters and Beijing's longstanding rhetoric staking claim on the independent island "only serve to exacerbate tensions and put the region's security and the world's prosperity at risk".
Just last week, during a visit to the region, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth vowed "robust, ready and credible deterrence" in the strait.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-greets-prez-murmu-with-dragon-elephant-tango-message-says-india-china-should-strengthen-ties-8914841">Xi greets Prez Murmu with &lsquo;Dragon-Elephant tango&rsquo; message, says India, China should strengthen ties</a>
<h2>China's increasing hostility towards Taiwan</h2>
Wednesday's drills come a day after China sent its army, navy, air, and rocket forces to surround self-governing Taiwan for exercises it claimed were only aimed at practising for "precision strikes" and a blockade of the island.
In turn, Taiwan dispatched its own forces as part of a "Rapid Response Exercise".
In recent years, China has increased the deployment of fighter jets and naval vessels around Taiwan.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-claims-india-going-to-drop-tariffs-substantially-ahead-of-liberation-day-8914713">'Why didn't they do it sooner?': Trump claims India 'going to drop tariffs substantially' ahead of 'Liberation Day'</a>
For a long time, China has challenged Taiwan's claim of sovereignty. Since May 2024, tensions between China and Taiwan have risen after Lai took office. Lai has adopted a tougher stance in defending the island's sovereignty against Beijing than his predecessor, Tsai Ing-wen.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

China intensifies military drills near Taiwan, marking the second day of exercises aimed at testing troops' capabilities in sensitive areas, heightening regional tensions.

China on Wednesday (Apr 2) announced new exercises in sensitive waters near Taiwan. This is the second consecutive day of drills around the self-ruled island that China claims as its own. In a statement, Senior Colonel Shi Yi, spokesperson of the Chinese military's Eastern Theatre Command, said that the latest exercises aim to "test the troops' capabilities" in areas such as "blockade and control, and precision strikes on key targets". These drills come after Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te called China a "foreign hostile force". Also read | 'Taiwan independence means war': With 19 warships, China launches military exercises around Taiwan Taiwan, US react As per news agency AFP, Taiwan's defence ministry confirmed that the Chinese drills were happening but did not elaborate. The United States, meanwhile, slammed the surprise manoeuvres as "intimidation tactics". The State Department said that the "aggressive" military activities in the sensitive waters and Beijing's longstanding rhetoric staking claim on the independent island "only serve to exacerbate tensions and put the region's security and the world's prosperity at risk". Just last week, during a visit to the region, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth vowed "robust, ready and credible deterrence" in the strait. Also read | Xi greets Prez Murmu with ‘Dragon-Elephant tango’ message, says India, China should strengthen ties China's increasing hostility towards Taiwan Wednesday's drills come a day after China sent its army, navy, air, and rocket forces to surround self-governing Taiwan for exercises it claimed were only aimed at practising for "precision strikes" and a blockade of the island. In turn, Taiwan dispatched its own forces as part of a "Rapid Response Exercise". In recent years, China has increased the deployment of fighter jets and naval vessels around Taiwan. Also read | 'Why didn't they do it sooner?': Trump claims India 'going to drop tariffs substantially' ahead of 'Liberation Day' For a long time, China has challenged Taiwan's claim of sovereignty. Since May 2024, tensions between China and Taiwan have risen after Lai took office. Lai has adopted a tougher stance in defending the island's sovereignty against Beijing than his predecessor, Tsai Ing-wen. (With inputs from agencies)

China intensifies military drills near Taiwan for second day; US slams 'intimidation tactics'

China has sent dozens of its warplanes, including fighter jets, towards Taiwan, said the island’s defence ministry, on Saturday (July 22). This comes ahead of the island’s annual Han Kuang exercise next week where Taipei’s forces will hold combat readiness drills for preventing an invasion.&nbsp;

<h2>Dozens of warplanes sent towards Taiwan</h2>

In a statement, the Taiwanese defence ministry said the Chinese People’s Liberation Army sent 37 aircraft and seven navy vessels around Taiwan between Friday 6:00 am and Saturday 6:00 am (local time), reported the Associated Press. &nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beijing-remains-undecided-on-taiwans-unification-top-pentagon-official-610898">Beijing remains undecided on Taiwan's unification: Top Pentagon official</a>

According to Taiwanese officials, among the warplanes were J-10 and J-16 fighters and H-6 bombers. Out of nearly 40 warplanes, 22 crossed the midline of the Taiwan Strait – an unofficial boundary between the island and the mainland – or entered the island’s defence identification zone near its southern part, said the Taiwanese defence ministry.&nbsp;

<h2>China’s growing threat</h2>

China’s move to send ships and warplanes around the democratically governed Taiwan comes ahead of the latter’s annual Han Kuang exercise next week which is said to be aimed at defending itself against a possible invasion. It also comes days after Taiwan’s recently concluded Wan’an exercises which aim to prepare the island’s civilians for natural disasters and practice evacuations in case of an air raid.

China has repeatedly claimed Taiwan as its own territory while the island’s government strongly disputes Beijing’s sovereignty claims, saying that only their 23 million people can decide their future. Recently, China has also ramped up military activities near the island and expressed displeasure at political activities in Taiwan.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-military-releases-simulation-clip-of-how-it-will-attack-taiwan-if-war-breaks-out-watch-581302">Chinese military releases simulation clip of how it will attack Taiwan&nbsp;if war breaks out. Watch</a>

Earlier this year, China also conducted three-day military drills on the Taiwan Strait, which were announced hours after Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen returned from her visit to the United States and met with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and other lawmakers.&nbsp;

After the drills, the Chinese military posted a simulation video showing how it could launch a full-scale attack against the self-governed island if war ever broke out. The video showed what appeared to be trajectory missiles landing on Taiwan and its surrounding waters.&nbsp;

Additionally, it also mapped out how the Chinese forces, including military aircraft and navy vessels, could launch a coordinated attack.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-can-propose-governance-ideas-after-unifying-with-china-pla-605397">Taiwan can propose governance ideas after unifying with China: PLA&nbsp;</a>

Similarly, Beijing had also conducted large-scale drills after then US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan and fired missiles over the island which disrupted trade in the Taiwan Strait and forced aeroplanes to reroute flights.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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China has sent dozens of its warplanes, including fighter jets, towards Taiwan, said the island’s defence ministry, on Saturday (July 22). This comes ahead of the island’s annual Han Kuang exercise next week where Taipei’s forces will hold combat readiness drills for preventing an invasion.

China has sent dozens of its warplanes, including fighter jets, towards Taiwan, said the island’s defence ministry, on Saturday (July 22). This comes ahead of the island’s annual Han Kuang exercise next week where Taipei’s forces will hold combat readiness drills for preventing an invasion. Dozens of warplanes sent towards Taiwan In a statement, the Taiwanese defence ministry said the Chinese People’s Liberation Army sent 37 aircraft and seven navy vessels around Taiwan between Friday 6:00 am and Saturday 6:00 am (local time), reported the Associated Press. ALSO READ | Beijing remains undecided on Taiwan's unification: Top Pentagon official According to Taiwanese officials, among the warplanes were J-10 and J-16 fighters and H-6 bombers. Out of nearly 40 warplanes, 22 crossed the midline of the Taiwan Strait – an unofficial boundary between the island and the mainland – or entered the island’s defence identification zone near its southern part, said the Taiwanese defence ministry. China’s growing threat China’s move to send ships and warplanes around the democratically governed Taiwan comes ahead of the latter’s annual Han Kuang exercise next week which is said to be aimed at defending itself against a possible invasion. It also comes days after Taiwan’s recently concluded Wan’an exercises which aim to prepare the island’s civilians for natural disasters and practice evacuations in case of an air raid. China has repeatedly claimed Taiwan as its own territory while the island’s government strongly disputes Beijing’s sovereignty claims, saying that only their 23 million people can decide their future. Recently, China has also ramped up military activities near the island and expressed displeasure at political activities in Taiwan. ALSO READ | Chinese military releases simulation clip of how it will attack Taiwan if war breaks out. Watch Earlier this year, China also conducted three-day military drills on the Taiwan Strait, which were announced hours after Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen returned from her visit to the United States and met with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and other lawmakers. After the drills, the Chinese military posted a simulation video showing how it could launch a full-scale attack against the self-governed island if war ever broke out. The video showed what appeared to be trajectory missiles landing on Taiwan and its surrounding waters. Additionally, it also mapped out how the Chinese forces, including military aircraft and navy vessels, could launch a coordinated attack. ALSO READ | Taiwan can propose governance ideas after unifying with China: PLA Similarly, Beijing had also conducted large-scale drills after then US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan and fired missiles over the island which disrupted trade in the Taiwan Strait and forced aeroplanes to reroute flights. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

China sends dozens of warplanes towards Taiwan ahead of island's anti-invasion exercises

Taiwan's defence ministry confirmed on Wednesday (July 12) that the Chinese air force and navy staged a second day of large-scale exercises with fighter jets, bombers, and warships near the island nation's south and southwest.&nbsp;

Chinese national television broadcaster CCTV reported that the military tested helicopters and drones in the rescue of wounded soldiers from islands in a first-of-its-kind drill. The drill was carried out by the command responsible for overseeing the Taiwan Strait.&nbsp;

It's not certain when the exercises took place.&nbsp;CCTV's military channel reported on Monday that the exercises were conducted by the People's Liberation Army Eastern Theatre Command on an unidentified island off the east coast of Zhejiang province.&nbsp;

The CCTV report said that the test was focused on speeding up the evacuation of wounded soldiers from "medium- to long-distance islands" in both peace and wartime. The exercise used helicopters, which were coordinated by land and air forces.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korean-lawmakers-urges-further-scrutiny-of-fukushima-nuclear-wastewater-after-iaeas-nod-614612">South Korean lawmakers urges further scrutiny of Fukushima nuclear wastewater after IAEA's nod</a>&nbsp;

Beijing views self-ruled Taiwan as part of its territory and even claimed that, in case needed, it will use force to unite the two territories. It also claims that Taiwan will defy China's one-nation policy by pushing for formal independence.&nbsp;

In case China invades Taiwan, experts have said that it would put a massive impact on the global supply chains as the island is a major supplier of semiconductors—a key component of nearly all modern electronics.

An act of invasion will also lead to a Western fury, inciting China's isolation and pushing Beijing and Washington closer than ever to a direct military conflict. It put will also put an end to Taiwan's hard-won democratic liberties. &nbsp;

In a report published by South China Morning Post, some military analysts said that the exercise addressed a PLA vulnerability – evacuation skills.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thailand-election-commission-recommends-pm-hopeful-pita-limjaroenrats-suspension-as-mp-614554">Thailand: Election Commission recommends PM hopeful Pita Limjaroenrat's suspension as MP</a>&nbsp;

<h2>China's focus on 'golden rescue time'&nbsp;</h2>

The aim of such focused exercises was to prepare for possible military conflicts near coastal islands and in the Taiwan Strait.&nbsp;A video caption shown in the report read: "Due to geographical restrictions, medical evacuation of officers and soldiers is carried out over long distances and difficult."&nbsp;

The video showed that the drones were utilised for reconnaissance and pinpointing the positions of the simulated wounded soldiers in the practice and the wounded were seen in the footage being transported by a helicopter and transferred to a command hospital.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;China's hidden debt: A&nbsp;ticking time bomb

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The report quoted Su Xingliang, who is the director of the brigade's support department, as saying: "In this medical and logistics exercise, we introduced air mobility forces for the first time, which greatly shortened the evacuation and treatment time for the wounded."&nbsp;

According to Su, the exercise improved the medical treatment abilities of the coastal forces and future drills would involve working with local medical forces to ensure that every wounded person could be treated within the "golden rescue time".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Taiwan's defence ministry confirmed on Wednesday (July 12) that the Chinese air force and navy staged a second day of large-scale exercises with fighter jets, bombers, and warships near the island nation's south and southwest.

Taiwan's defence ministry confirmed on Wednesday (July 12) that the Chinese air force and navy staged a second day of large-scale exercises with fighter jets, bombers, and warships near the island nation's south and southwest. Chinese national television broadcaster CCTV reported that the military tested helicopters and drones in the rescue of wounded soldiers from islands in a first-of-its-kind drill. The drill was carried out by the command responsible for overseeing the Taiwan Strait. It's not certain when the exercises took place. CCTV's military channel reported on Monday that the exercises were conducted by the People's Liberation Army Eastern Theatre Command on an unidentified island off the east coast of Zhejiang province. The CCTV report said that the test was focused on speeding up the evacuation of wounded soldiers from "medium- to long-distance islands" in both peace and wartime. The exercise used helicopters, which were coordinated by land and air forces. Also read: South Korean lawmakers urges further scrutiny of Fukushima nuclear wastewater after IAEA's nod Beijing views self-ruled Taiwan as part of its territory and even claimed that, in case needed, it will use force to unite the two territories. It also claims that Taiwan will defy China's one-nation policy by pushing for formal independence. In case China invades Taiwan, experts have said that it would put a massive impact on the global supply chains as the island is a major supplier of semiconductors—a key component of nearly all modern electronics. An act of invasion will also lead to a Western fury, inciting China's isolation and pushing Beijing and Washington closer than ever to a direct military conflict. It put will also put an end to Taiwan's hard-won democratic liberties. In a report published by South China Morning Post, some military analysts said that the exercise addressed a PLA vulnerability – evacuation skills. Also read: Thailand: Election Commission recommends PM hopeful Pita Limjaroenrat's suspension as MP China's focus on 'golden rescue time' The aim of such focused exercises was to prepare for possible military conflicts near coastal islands and in the Taiwan Strait. A video caption shown in the report read: "Due to geographical restrictions, medical evacuation of officers and soldiers is carried out over long distances and difficult." The video showed that the drones were utilised for reconnaissance and pinpointing the positions of the simulated wounded soldiers in the practice and the wounded were seen in the footage being transported by a helicopter and transferred to a command hospital. Watch: China's hidden debt: A ticking time bomb × The report quoted Su Xingliang, who is the director of the brigade's support department, as saying: "In this medical and logistics exercise, we introduced air mobility forces for the first time, which greatly shortened the evacuation and treatment time for the wounded." According to Su, the exercise improved the medical treatment abilities of the coastal forces and future drills would involve working with local medical forces to ensure that every wounded person could be treated within the "golden rescue time". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

PLA tests evacuation skills with helicopters and drones. Is China preparing for Taiwan war?

The surge in Taiwan's popularity and global support has been a major setback for&nbsp;China.&nbsp;It has rattled China to such an extent that it has threatened Taiwan with military action.

The United States, European Union, Australia, New Zealand and Japan are in favour of&nbsp;Taiwan's presence in the WHO’s World Health Assembly, which gets under way online on Monday, despite China's warnings.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-putting-nations-at-risk-by-excluding-taiwan-from-knowledge-sharing-us-report-298412">WHO putting nations at risk by excluding Taiwan from knowledge sharing: US report</a>

India should utilise this window of opportunity as well and ensure an observer status for Taiwan at future WHO&nbsp;engagements&nbsp;to counter China.

It should ignore the&nbsp;rebuttals, warnings and empty threats issued by Chinese spokespersons and state media Global Times.

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Landing exercises, aimed at taking over islands, have become <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PLA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PLA</a>'s regular training subjects. Dongsha, Penghu and Taiwan are all islands. If <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Taiwan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Taiwan</a> secessionists insist on secession, military exercises can turn into action any time: experts <a href="https://t.co/7r2crvOE3y">https://t.co/7r2crvOE3y</a> <a href="https://t.co/zakDxZFkvV">pic.twitter.com/zakDxZFkvV</a>
— Global Times (@globaltimesnews) <a href="https://twitter.com/globaltimesnews/status/1260535281633157120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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This is a report about the Chinese army's upcoming drills in August&nbsp;to take over the Dongsha Islands occupied by Taiwan.&nbsp;

China’s foreign ministry warned Paris over a contract for Taiwan, which is planning to buy weapons from Paris as part of an upgrade to a French-made warship fleet bought 30 years ago.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-tells-china-to-focus-on-coronavirus-battle-after-taiwan-warning-298663">France tells China to focus on coronavirus battle after Taiwan warning</a>

However,&nbsp;France dismissed these warnings on Wednesday about selling arms to self-ruled Taiwan, saying it was implementing existing deals and that Beijing should focus on battling the COVID-19 pandemic.

China says Taiwan is part of ''One China'', and that this principle must be accepted by any country with which it has diplomatic relations.&nbsp;

The US&nbsp;State Department has launched a campaign&nbsp;called "Tweet for Taiwan" to ensure&nbsp;its&nbsp;seat for at the upcoming World Health Assembly.&nbsp;The International Organizations Bureau which is a part of the State Department posted it&nbsp;at the beginning of this month.&nbsp;

China is scared to let Taiwan flourish because the democratic country has outperformed an authoritarian China with only 440 cases and 7 deaths from the Wuhan virus.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Interestingly, Taiwan defeated the virus on its own&nbsp;without any support from the World Health Organization.&nbsp;

Earlier today, Taiwan's Vice President-elect,&nbsp;William Lai&nbsp;said ''Taiwan is not&nbsp;member of the World Health Organization mainly because&nbsp;it is not recognized yet by the United Nations. But, for eight years, it&nbsp;was invited to send observers to the World Health Assembly after the 2009 H1N1 epidemic.''

China realises that the momentum is with Taiwan and therefore, it wants to block every attempt to give it space on the world stage.&nbsp;

Beijing has opposed Taiwan's inclusion as an observer ever since 2016, &nbsp;when it elected Tsai Ing-wen as president.&nbsp;

It is noteworthy that Tsai belongs to a pro-independence party and she was re-elected this year.

She will take the oath of office again&nbsp;on May 20.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gold-coins-marking-the-taiwan-presidential-inauguration-hit-record-high-prices-298641">Gold coins marking the Taiwan presidential inauguration hit record high prices</a>

To celebrate the event, the Bank of Taiwan issued&nbsp;two commemorative coins featuring&nbsp;President Tsai Ing-wen and Vice President-elect Lai.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The surge in Taiwan's popularity and global support has been a major setback for China. It has rattled China to such an extent that it has threatened Taiwan with military action.

The surge in Taiwan's popularity and global support has been a major setback for China. It has rattled China to such an extent that it has threatened Taiwan with military action. The United States, European Union, Australia, New Zealand and Japan are in favour of Taiwan's presence in the WHO’s World Health Assembly, which gets under way online on Monday, despite China's warnings. Also read: WHO putting nations at risk by excluding Taiwan from knowledge sharing: US report India should utilise this window of opportunity as well and ensure an observer status for Taiwan at future WHO engagements to counter China. It should ignore the rebuttals, warnings and empty threats issued by Chinese spokespersons and state media Global Times. Landing exercises, aimed at taking over islands, have become #PLA's regular training subjects. Dongsha, Penghu and Taiwan are all islands. If #Taiwan secessionists insist on secession, military exercises can turn into action any time: experts https://t.co/7r2crvOE3y pic.twitter.com/zakDxZFkvV — Global Times (@globaltimesnews) May 13, 2020 × This is a report about the Chinese army's upcoming drills in August to take over the Dongsha Islands occupied by Taiwan. China’s foreign ministry warned Paris over a contract for Taiwan, which is planning to buy weapons from Paris as part of an upgrade to a French-made warship fleet bought 30 years ago. Also read: France tells China to focus on coronavirus battle after Taiwan warning However, France dismissed these warnings on Wednesday about selling arms to self-ruled Taiwan, saying it was implementing existing deals and that Beijing should focus on battling the COVID-19 pandemic. China says Taiwan is part of ''One China'', and that this principle must be accepted by any country with which it has diplomatic relations. The US State Department has launched a campaign called "Tweet for Taiwan" to ensure its seat for at the upcoming World Health Assembly. The International Organizations Bureau which is a part of the State Department posted it at the beginning of this month. China is scared to let Taiwan flourish because the democratic country has outperformed an authoritarian China with only 440 cases and 7 deaths from the Wuhan virus. Interestingly, Taiwan defeated the virus on its own without any support from the World Health Organization. Earlier today, Taiwan's Vice President-elect, William Lai said ''Taiwan is not member of the World Health Organization mainly because it is not recognized yet by the United Nations. But, for eight years, it was invited to send observers to the World Health Assembly after the 2009 H1N1 epidemic.'' China realises that the momentum is with Taiwan and therefore, it wants to block every attempt to give it space on the world stage. Beijing has opposed Taiwan's inclusion as an observer ever since 2016, when it elected Tsai Ing-wen as president. It is noteworthy that Tsai belongs to a pro-independence party and she was re-elected this year. She will take the oath of office again on May 20. Also read: Gold coins marking the Taiwan presidential inauguration hit record high prices To celebrate the event, the Bank of Taiwan issued two commemorative coins featuring President Tsai Ing-wen and Vice President-elect Lai.

How India's support for Taiwan's WHO membership can rattle China

Amidst sequential escalation of US-China 'heated cold war', Pentagon has released a new report on January 16, airing US concerns about China’s growing military capability. The report highlights a contingency about a possible attack on Taiwan.

This is an important development after the coercive&nbsp;speech of Chinese President Xi Jinping at the beginning of 2019.

This Pentagon report, however, needs to be read in the context of US-China conflict.

The interpretation of the report indicates the expeditionary design of Chinese military strategy with global ambition, exploiting its increased ‘comprehensive national power’ (CNP) with improved technology, economics, military hardware. Chinese rapid advancement in hypersonic weaponry, cyber warfare, sea and air power have allowed it to look beyond its “active defence strategy” and slow-moving “incremental encroachment strategy”.

It puts a spotlight on the increasing number of bases which can be turned into military bases at short notice.&nbsp;The continuous increase in its defence budget has helped People's Liberation Army (PLA) to modernise, posing a serious challenge to regional neighbours.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

The US position&nbsp;

As per the information in open domain, the report does not cover US position in response to Chinese growing military capability in the context of Taiwan as it is strategically important to them. In a joint communique with PRC (The People's Republic of China) in 1972, the US had adopted the line of declaration of independence by Taiwan.

The US, however, remains opposed to any unilateral changes in status quo by either side. The US will, therefore, like to have a democratic, independently governed Taiwan as an ally, where they have adequate strategic and economic leverage, instead of it forming part of Communist PRC. 
 
Neither Taiwan nor China nor the US have crossed the redline&nbsp;so far. The US security assurance in terms of Taiwan Relations Act, indirectly promises to make available "such defence equipment and services, as may be necessary to enable Taiwan to maintain a sufficient self-defence capability."

Last year, the US defence budget was more than the next seven countries put together including China; I do not see China posing a military challenge or competition to the US in a global arena, however, in the near vicinity of its eastern seaboard, it may pose some challenge in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait. The recently signed Taiwan Travel Act, the sale of military hardware to Taiwan indicates that the US is in no mood to give a walkover when it comes to Taiwan.

China's position

PRC claims Taiwan as its integral part and is looking for its peaceful reunification, which continues to be a dream. PRC passed the Anti-Secession Law in 2005, authorising war - in case of island formally declaring statehood: hence any effort towards its independence will invite Chinese action to protect its sovereign territory. The speeches by Chinese president have brought the US and Taiwan much closer and much sooner than what Xi would have expected. Taiwan seems to have got bolder today and is talking of self-defence indicating that Chinese coercion has not worked so far.&nbsp;

Will China use force against Taiwan &nbsp;

President Xi Jinping has ordered the Southern Theatre Command, responsible for monitoring the South China Sea and Taiwan, to get ready for war, but in my opinion, China will not use force against Taiwan due to many reasons. First, adventurism by China in Taiwan at the time of trade war with the US does not make any economic sense as bulks of Taiwan’s investments are already in China with Taiwan having a trade surplus of approximately $30 billion with China. China gains nothing but has a lot to lose if it attacks Taiwan. Second, its adventurism will amount to crossing the red line defined by the US, which treats Taiwan no less than an ally.&nbsp;

The threatening speech by Chinese president against Taiwan and all the countries helping them is to deter Taiwan from getting stronger to pursue the path of independence. &nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Amidst sequential escalation of US-China 'heated cold war', Pentagon has released a new report on January 16, airing US concerns about China’s growing military capability.

Amidst sequential escalation of US-China 'heated cold war', Pentagon has released a new report on January 16, airing US concerns about China’s growing military capability. The report highlights a contingency about a possible attack on Taiwan. This is an important development after the coercive speech of Chinese President Xi Jinping at the beginning of 2019. This Pentagon report, however, needs to be read in the context of US-China conflict. The interpretation of the report indicates the expeditionary design of Chinese military strategy with global ambition, exploiting its increased ‘comprehensive national power’ (CNP) with improved technology, economics, military hardware. Chinese rapid advancement in hypersonic weaponry, cyber warfare, sea and air power have allowed it to look beyond its “active defence strategy” and slow-moving “incremental encroachment strategy”. It puts a spotlight on the increasing number of bases which can be turned into military bases at short notice. The continuous increase in its defence budget has helped People's Liberation Army (PLA) to modernise, posing a serious challenge to regional neighbours. The US position As per the information in open domain, the report does not cover US position in response to Chinese growing military capability in the context of Taiwan as it is strategically important to them. In a joint communique with PRC (The People's Republic of China) in 1972, the US had adopted the line of declaration of independence by Taiwan. The US, however, remains opposed to any unilateral changes in status quo by either side. The US will, therefore, like to have a democratic, independently governed Taiwan as an ally, where they have adequate strategic and economic leverage, instead of it forming part of Communist PRC. Neither Taiwan nor China nor the US have crossed the redline so far. The US security assurance in terms of Taiwan Relations Act, indirectly promises to make available "such defence equipment and services, as may be necessary to enable Taiwan to maintain a sufficient self-defence capability." Last year, the US defence budget was more than the next seven countries put together including China; I do not see China posing a military challenge or competition to the US in a global arena, however, in the near vicinity of its eastern seaboard, it may pose some challenge in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait. The recently signed Taiwan Travel Act, the sale of military hardware to Taiwan indicates that the US is in no mood to give a walkover when it comes to Taiwan. China's position PRC claims Taiwan as its integral part and is looking for its peaceful reunification, which continues to be a dream. PRC passed the Anti-Secession Law in 2005, authorising war - in case of island formally declaring statehood: hence any effort towards its independence will invite Chinese action to protect its sovereign territory. The speeches by Chinese president have brought the US and Taiwan much closer and much sooner than what Xi would have expected. Taiwan seems to have got bolder today and is talking of self-defence indicating that Chinese coercion has not worked so far. Will China use force against Taiwan President Xi Jinping has ordered the Southern Theatre Command, responsible for monitoring the South China Sea and Taiwan, to get ready for war, but in my opinion, China will not use force against Taiwan due to many reasons. First, adventurism by China in Taiwan at the time of trade war with the US does not make any economic sense as bulks of Taiwan’s investments are already in China with Taiwan having a trade surplus of approximately $30 billion with China. China gains nothing but has a lot to lose if it attacks Taiwan. Second, its adventurism will amount to crossing the red line defined by the US, which treats Taiwan no less than an ally. The threatening speech by Chinese president against Taiwan and all the countries helping them is to deter Taiwan from getting stronger to pursue the path of independence. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Decoding report which raises concerns over China attacking Taiwan

China has urged the US not to allow the Taiwan president Tsai Ing-wen to transit through US.&nbsp;

Tsai Ing-wen will make a stopover in US during her visit to meet allies in Latin America, ruffling feathers in the Chinese establishment, Reuters reported.

It is not clear whether Tsai Ing-wen will meet the US president-elect Donald Trump and his team.

The US mission in Taiwan, the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), has termed the visit &quot;private and unofficial&quot; saying it is not in conflict with the &#39;&#39;one-China&#39;&#39; policy.&nbsp;

China considers Taiwan as a breakaway province and has objected to its diplomatic ties with another state.

US president-elect Donald Trump had called up the Taiwan president after his election moving away from the &#39;&#39;one-China&#39;&#39; policy which states the US doesn&#39;t have any official ties with Taiwan.&nbsp;

Tsai&#39;s proposed stopover comes on her way to Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala and El Salvador. She will leave Taiwan on January 7 and return on January 15.

China&#39;s position on Taiwan has its roots in the Chinese Civil War of 1949 when the Nationalists were pushed to the present-day Taiwan by 
the Communists.

(WION with inputs from Reuters)

China hopes the United States does not send any wrong signals to 'Taiwan?independence forces'

China has urged the US not to allow the Taiwan president Tsai Ing-wen to transit through US. Tsai Ing-wen will make a stopover in US during her visit to meet allies in Latin America, ruffling feathers in the Chinese establishment, Reuters reported. It is not clear whether Tsai Ing-wen will meet the US president-elect Donald Trump and his team. The US mission in Taiwan, the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), has termed the visit "private and unofficial" saying it is not in conflict with the ''one-China'' policy. China considers Taiwan as a breakaway province and has objected to its diplomatic ties with another state. US president-elect Donald Trump had called up the Taiwan president after his election moving away from the ''one-China'' policy which states the US doesn't have any official ties with Taiwan. Tsai's proposed stopover comes on her way to Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala and El Salvador. She will leave Taiwan on January 7 and return on January 15. China's position on Taiwan has its roots in the Chinese Civil War of 1949 when the Nationalists were pushed to the present-day Taiwan by the Communists. (WION with inputs from Reuters)

China asks US not to allow Taiwan president stopover