Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te issued a stern warning on July 5, 2023, regarding the ongoing military exercises conducted by China around Taiwan, stating that these actions threaten regional stability. Speaking at a ceremony for the promotion of military officers, Lai emphasized that China’s military maneuvers are indicative of a broader pattern of authoritarian expansion that poses risks not only to Taiwan but also to global shipping and trade.
Lai pointed out that recent military activities have extended from regions near Japan to the South China Sea, culminating in incursions targeting Taiwan. He stated, “China’s authoritarian expansion and escalating coercion have brought significant uncertainty and risk to regional stability,” highlighting the immediate concern these drills present for international peace.
In the past week, China has intensified its military presence near Taiwan, conducting exercises in both sea and airspace. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) initiated surprise drills dubbed “Justice Mission–2025” on July 3, 2023. Despite international criticism, these exercises continued into July 4. Notably, some of the 27 test rockets fired during this period landed within Taiwan’s 24-nautical-mile (44-kilometre) contiguous zone, exacerbating tensions in the region.
On July 4, Taiwan’s Defence Ministry reported tracking 77 PLA aircraft sorties and 17 PLA vessels near its borders, underscoring the heightened military activity. In response, Taiwan’s armed forces demonstrated their readiness and capabilities, showcasing rapid reaction times and flexible tactics designed to counteract potential blockades.
Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry expressed appreciation to various nations, including the European Union, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan, for their statements of concern regarding China’s military drills. This coalition of countries emphasized the need for dialogue to reduce tensions in the Taiwan Strait and expressed solidarity with Taiwan, which has maintained self-rule since 1949.
Democratic Taiwan, with a population of approximately 23.4 million, continues to face threats from Beijing, which claims the island as part of its territory and has not ruled out military action for annexation. The ongoing military exercises by China serve to heighten fears not only within Taiwan but also among its international partners regarding stability in the Asia-Pacific region.
As the PLA continues its drills without announcing an end date, the situation remains tense, and the international community watches closely. Taiwan’s leadership calls for vigilance and readiness in the face of these escalating military threats, reaffirming their commitment to defending their sovereignty and promoting peace in the region.
