TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — An expert cited by the Wall Street Journal said China's latest large-scale military exercises are not only targeting Taiwan but are also intended to intimidate neighboring countries such as Japan and the Philippines.
The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday that China's latest wargames test its ability to dominate the first island chain. The newspaper described the drills as “a potent warning” to the incoming Trump administration, signaling Beijing's ultimate goal of controlling Taiwan.
A senior Taiwanese security official was quoted saying the Chinese military is testing its ability to dominate the first island chain, which runs from Japan to Borneo and would be the hotspot in any potential regional war.
The Ministry of Defense on Wednesday reported that over the past 24 hours, it has detected 53 military aircraft, 11 Chinese naval vessels, and eight official ships around Taiwan.
The Wall Street Journal suggested the exercises demonstrate Beijing's dissatisfaction with President Lai Ching-te’s (賴清德) recent transit stops in Hawaii and Guam, during his visit to Taiwan's South Pacific allies.
It cited Defense Ministry Spokesperson Sun Li-fang (孫立方) as describing the exercises as “a significant security challenge to us.” He added, "They’re also a threat to other countries in the region.”
Drew Thompson, a senior research fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies at Singapore's Nanyang Technological University, said the Chinese military’s actions are likely “more than just about Taiwan.” Thompson was reported as saying Beijing is also using the military exercises "to intimidate other countries in the Western Pacific, including Japan, maybe Korea, Philippines, and then maybe indirectly other countries in the South China Sea.”
Taiwanese military officials at a press conference on Tuesday indicated that China’s large-scale maritime deployment is not only a blockade exercise against Taiwan but also part of its strategy to prevent foreign forces from intervening in Taiwan's defense.
Lieutenant General Hsieh Jih-sheng (謝日升) said “the numbers are truly astonishing,” per Liberty Times. Hsieh said the PLA ships extend beyond the east of Taiwan, with deployments between the first and second island chains.
Hsieh said the PLA is attempting to simulate a blockade on Taiwan and extend forces outward to achieve its anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) objectives. At the same time, it has formed two naval "walls" east of Taiwan to convey the message of “turning the Taiwan Strait into an inland sea."
The newspaper pointed out that under President Joe Biden, the US departed from its traditional policy of strategic ambiguity. However, in an interview with NBC News aired on Sunday, Trump was ambiguous about his stance on Taiwan. When asked by journalist Kristen Welker whether he was committed to defending Taiwan, Trump said, “I never say, because I have to negotiate things, right?”
When Welker pressed further, Trump responded, “I'd prefer that they don't.” He added, “I have a very good relationship with President Xi. We have been communicating with each other.”
