China has initiated extensive live-firing military exercises around Taiwan, marking the second consecutive day of its largest-ever war games in the region. On September 5, 2023, the exercises lasted for a total of ten hours, with operations set to continue until 18:00 local time (10:00 GMT). The drills are designed to sever Taiwan’s connections to external support in the event of a military conflict, as stated by the Eastern Theatre Command of the People’s Liberation Army.
The exercises, part of the “Justice Mission 2025,” cover five strategic locations surrounding Taiwan. This represents a significant expansion in the scale and proximity of military activities compared to previous drills. In preparation for these exercises, the Chinese Maritime Safety Administration designated two additional areas for live-firing, further compounding the military’s presence in the region.
These war games commenced shortly after the United States announced a record arms package worth $11.1 billion to Taiwan. This decision drew sharp criticism from the Chinese defence ministry, which issued warnings that it would take “forceful measures” in response. Analysts suggest that these military exercises are intended to rehearse a rapid encirclement of Taiwan, targeting its weapons stockpile and obstructing potential resupply efforts from Japan and nearby U.S. bases.
Escalating Tensions and International Implications
A senior security official from Taiwan remarked on the situation, stating that this constitutes a “blatant provocation of the international situation.” The official, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the issue, emphasized the importance of the region as one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes, expressing concerns that China aims to reshape the international order according to its own agenda.
As the drills unfolded, Taiwan remained vigilant for any potential escalation, including the possibility of missiles being fired over the island, similar to previous Chinese military exercises in 2022, which were prompted by then-U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi‘s visit to Taiwan.
The Chinese military’s operations on September 5 involved destroyers, bombers, and other military units, focusing on sea-based assaults, air defense, and anti-submarine operations. The aim is to enhance the coordination of sea and air forces for integrated containment and control of the area.
In response to these developments, Taiwan has reiterated its stance, asserting that only its people can determine the island’s future. The ongoing military exercises have heightened tensions in the Taiwan Strait, raising questions about future interactions between China, Taiwan, and other international actors. As the situation evolves, the global community continues to monitor developments closely.
