Beijing Adopts New Approach to Taiwan With Quiet, Large-Scale Military Drills
Beijing has adopted a novel strategy in its ongoing tensions with Taiwan, the self-governing island it claims as its own. Officials and experts say China is conducting large-scale military drills with little public announcement, aiming to normalize its heightened military presence and demonstrate its capability to act without warning, particularly to the United States.
For four days this week, Taiwan raised its alert level, citing China’s largest naval mobilization in three decades. The operations stretched across the East and South China Seas, heightening regional tensions.
China’s military remained silent until Friday, when it referenced The Art of War by Sun Tzu, an ancient Chinese military treatise. “Just as water retains no constant shape, so in warfare there are no constant conditions,” said the defense ministry, issuing a cryptic statement that stopped short of confirming or denying the drills.
The muted approach marks a significant shift from China’s usual tactics. Previous war games, such as the “Joint Sword-2024B” exercises in October, were accompanied by an aggressive propaganda campaign. That operation included state media graphics and animations targeting Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te, whom Beijing labels a “separatist.”
Taiwan’s leadership rejects China’s claims of sovereignty. President Lai has reiterated that Taiwan’s future can only be decided by its people.
The current drills coincided with Lai’s recent trip to the Pacific, which included stopovers in Hawaii and Guam, sparking anger in Beijing. China strongly opposes international engagements by Taiwan’s leaders, viewing such trips as a challenge to its claims.
Chen Kuan-ting, a lawmaker from Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), sees the drills as a calculated step toward normalizing Chinese military operations in the region. “Neighbouring countries have to be aware that if they don’t respond accordingly, they themselves may become the next target,” he warned.
As Beijing increases its military pressure without its customary fanfare, Taiwan and its allies are left to grapple with the implications of China’s evolving strategy. Whether this approach will reshape regional dynamics remains to be seen.
