Taiwan has deployed its military forces along its coast after China conducted “live-fire” drills off the island, with Beijing labeling the move as a response to Taiwan’s perceived provocation. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) deployed 32 aircraft near Taiwan and announced live-fire exercises in an area about 40 nautical miles off the democratically governed island’s south.
Taiwan’s defense ministry condemned the exercises as “dangerous” and warned of a “high degree of danger” to international flights and vessels. The PLA claims it was conducting legitimate training, but critics see it as an attempt to intimidate and assert control over the region.
The dispute between Beijing and Taipei dates back to 1949, when communist forces lost the Chinese Civil War and retreated to Taiwan. Since then, China has sought to reclaim the island, which it considers a breakaway province.
China’s actions have raised concerns in the United States, with some fearing that President Trump might not consider Taiwan worth defending if China were to attack. However, the US still maintains a policy of “strategic ambiguity” over whether it would deploy military assets to defend the island from a Chinese attack.
Taiwan’s president, Lai Ching-te, has vowed to boost investment in the US and increase the island’s military spending as a response to China’s increasing aggression. The situation remains volatile, with both sides accusing each other of provocation and escalation.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/taiwan-china-high-degree-danger-military-drills-off-coast