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G7 Slams China’s Military Drills Near Taiwan, Warns of Global Security Risks

April 7, 2025, 5:16 am

Washington DC [US]: The G7 Foreign Ministers, along with the European Union’s High Representative, have strongly condemned China’s recent military drills near Taiwan, describing them as “provocative actions” that raise tensions and pose a serious threat to global peace and security.

G7 Expresses Deep Concern

In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, and the US, joined by the EU, expressed alarm over China’s increasing military activity in the region.

“These increasingly frequent and destabilising activities are raising cross-Strait tensions and put at risk global security and prosperity,” the statement read.

The statement followed large-scale joint drills carried out by China’s military in the waters and airspace around Taiwan, which have become more frequent and aggressive in recent months.

Upholding Peace in the Taiwan Strait

The G7 emphasized its unified stance on preserving peace and opposing any unilateral action—especially by force or coercion—that threatens the status quo in the Taiwan Strait.

“We oppose any unilateral actions to threaten peace and stability, including by force or coercion. G7 members continue to encourage the peaceful resolution of issues through constructive cross-Strait dialogue,” the group stated.

Global Call for Dialogue, Not Force

This warning comes after the US and EU previously reiterated their disapproval of any attempt to alter Taiwan’s current status by force, a message echoed by US President Donald Trump, who emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution to cross-Strait tensions.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated Trump’s position, saying the US strongly supports peace in the Taiwan Strait and rejects any unilateral changes to the current balance.

Why It Matters

The Taiwan Strait is a strategic geopolitical zone, and increased military maneuvers could trigger wider regional or even global conflicts. The G7’s unified voice signals growing concern among global powers about China’s assertive stance in the Indo-Pacific.

Taiwan Detects 11 Chinese Aircraft, 6 Naval Vessels, 3 Official Ships

March 2, 2025, 2:01 pm

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) reported that 11 Chinese aircraft, 6 naval vessels, and 3 official ships were detected operating near the island by 6 a.m. (UTC+8) on Sunday.

Among these, five Chinese aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) in the central, southwestern, and southeastern regions.

MND shared the update on X, stating, “11 PLA aircraft, 6 PLAN vessels and 3 official ships operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 5 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s central, southwestern and southeastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly.”

Saturday’s Detection Report

On Saturday, Taiwan’s MND also detected 17 Chinese military aircraft, 8 naval vessels, and 3 official ships in the area. The MND reported, “17 PLA aircraft, 8 PLAN vessels and 3 official ships operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 15 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern, central, southwestern and southeastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded.”

China’s Growing Military Strength

Recently, China has been enhancing its military capabilities, particularly focusing on the potential invasion of Taiwan. The country has launched a large landing helicopter assault (LHA) vessel, a unique asset not possessed by any other navy. Furthermore, China has begun mass-producing floating bridge docks, which will assist in unloading ships during beach landings.

These advancements indicate that China is preparing for a possible future invasion of Taiwan.

The Taiwan-China Conflict

The Taiwan-China issue remains complex and long-standing. Taiwan, officially the Republic of China (ROC), functions independently with its own government, military, and economy. However, China considers Taiwan a breakaway province and follows the “One China” policy, asserting that Beijing is the sole capital.

The conflict traces back to the Chinese Civil War (1945-1949), when the ROC government retreated to Taiwan after the Communist Party, led by Mao Zedong, took control of mainland China.

Pressure from Beijing

Beijing has continuously pushed for Taiwan’s reunification, using diplomatic, economic, and military pressure to isolate Taiwan globally. However, Taiwan remains determined to maintain its independence, with a large portion of the population supporting this stance.

Taiwan Eyes Multi-Billion Dollar US Arms Deal Amid China Tensions

February 17, 2025, 11:27 pm

Taiwan is negotiating a multi-billion dollar arms deal with the United States as it seeks to enhance its defense capabilities amid rising tensions with China. According to sources familiar with the matter, the potential deal could be worth between $7 billion and $10 billion and may include coastal defense cruise missiles and HIMARS rocket systems.

Strengthening Taiwan’s Defense Strategy

A key objective of the proposed arms purchase is to demonstrate Taiwan’s commitment to its own defense and secure continued US support. The package reportedly aligns with Taiwan’s broader strategy to modernize its military with precision ammunition, air-defense upgrades, command and control systems, and anti-drone technology.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense did not confirm specific purchases but stated:
“Any weaponry and equipment that can help build military strength are listed as targets for procurement.”

US-Taiwan Relations Under Trump

Despite earlier concerns about US President Donald Trump’s stance on Taiwan’s semiconductor industry, his administration has maintained strong diplomatic and military support for the island.

On February 7, Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba issued a joint statement opposing any attempt to change the Taiwan Strait’s status quo through force.
The US State Department also removed language from its website stating it does not support Taiwan independence, a move welcomed by Taipei.

During Trump’s 2017-2021 term, the US established regular arms sales to Taiwan, including deals for F-16 fighter jets. The Biden administration continued these sales, though on a smaller scale.

China’s Response and US Diplomatic Moves

China, which claims Taiwan as its territory, has strongly opposed US military support for the island and urged Washington to “correct its mistakes.”

In another sign of US commitment to Taiwan, Raymond Greene, the top US diplomat in Taipei, will retain his post despite ongoing diplomatic reshuffles.

The US State Department has yet to comment on Greene’s status, but his continued presence signals Washington’s ongoing support for Taiwan.

Taiwan Defence Ministry Rejects China’s Claims Over Taiwan Strait

February 17, 2025, 12:57 pm

Taiwan’s Defence Ministry has issued a strong statement rejecting China’s claims over the Taiwan Strait, asserting that the waterway is “absolutely not within the scope of China’s sovereignty.” This declaration comes as tensions between the two sides continue to rise.

Threat to Global Security

Taiwan’s defence officials warned that any deliberate attempts by China to escalate tensions in the Taiwan Strait would pose a serious threat not only to Taiwan’s security but also to global peace. The ministry emphasized the broader implications of instability in the region.

Regional and Global Concerns

Taiwan’s defence statement highlighted that peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are not only vital for Taiwan but also for free and democratic countries around the world. The strait’s importance goes beyond regional security, with global economic trade and democratic values at stake.

A Vital Waterway Under Threat

The Taiwan Strait has become a significant geopolitical flashpoint. Taiwan continues to assert its autonomy and right to self-determination, while China insists on its claims over the island. The growing military activity and rhetoric from China only add to the instability in the region.

Taiwan’s Stance: Peace and Democracy at Risk

Taiwan’s leadership continues to advocate for the preservation of peace in the strait. They warn that any change to the region’s status quo would not only undermine Taiwan’s sovereignty but also threaten the global values of democracy and peace cherished by many countries.

Taiwan Seeks Trump Ties: Senior Officials Meet Amid Rising Tensions With China

December 12, 2024, 12:24 pm

Two senior Taiwanese officials have travelled to the United States to meet individuals connected to President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team, sources revealed. The meetings aim to strengthen ties between Taipei and the incoming administration as geopolitical tensions with China escalate.

Lin Fei-fan and Hsu Szu-chien, deputy secretaries-general of Taiwan’s National Security Council, are in the Washington area this week with their staff for discussions, according to five sources who spoke on condition of anonymity. While the agenda and US participants remain unconfirmed, the sources suggested the meetings involve Republicans likely to hold mid-tier positions in the Trump administration.

Taiwan’s presidential office described the visit as routine and declined to comment further. The Trump transition team and China’s embassy have not responded to requests for statements.

The visit comes as Beijing intensifies military activities near the Taiwan Strait, which Taipei interprets as an effort to set boundaries for the incoming US administration. Chinese military maneuvers have coincided with rising concern over how Trump’s policies might reshape US-China-Taiwan relations.

The sources indicated that Lin and Hsu’s meetings are informal and exclude top Trump administration nominees to avoid provoking Beijing. One source noted the discussions are with “old friends,” while another described the meetings as part of Taiwan’s strategy to connect with key figures in US politics.

Trump’s election win has generated mixed reactions in Taiwan. While some hope for a tougher US stance on China, there is anxiety over Trump’s comments suggesting Taiwan should pay more for US defense support. Taipei has shown interest in pursuing new arms deals as a gesture of commitment to defense readiness under Trump’s presidency.

Trump’s previous outreach to Taiwan stirred controversy, including a historic phone call with Taiwan’s then-President Tsai Ing-wen in December 2016. That call marked the first direct communication between a US president-elect and Taiwan’s leader since 1979, angering Beijing.

As Trump prepares for his second inauguration on January 20, reports suggest he has extended an invitation to Chinese President Xi Jinping a gesture that could redefine US-China diplomacy. Both Trump’s camp and Beijing have yet to confirm the report, but the president-elect recently emphasized his positive rapport with Xi.

Taiwan Shortens Air Raid Alert Zone Amid China Threats

November 29, 2024, 12:25 am

Taipei, November 28: Taiwan has reduced its air raid alert threshold in response to escalating military provocations from China. Defence Minister Wellington Koo confirmed the revision during a session in the Legislative Yuan on Monday.

The alert range has been shortened from 70 nautical miles (129 kilometres) to 24 nautical miles (44 kilometres), leaving citizens with only three minutes to prepare for potential aerial attacks. The adjustment was quietly implemented at the end of 2022, with the updated Regulations for Air Raid Alert Implementation being classified as confidential.

Why Was the Alert Zone Reduced?

Minister Koo explained that the decision reflects growing military threats from China, including repeated incursions across the Taiwan Strait median line. “This is mainly due to enemy threats,” Koo stated, highlighting China’s increasingly aggressive military manoeuvres near Taiwan’s airspace.

China’s actions, he noted, have heightened the urgency to respond swiftly to potential threats, undermining peace and stability in the region.

Rising Tensions in the Taiwan Strait

Taiwan faces frequent incursions by Chinese military aircraft, and Beijing’s assertive actions have raised concerns about regional security. The shorter air raid alert threshold reflects the urgency of countering these threats effectively.

Koo assured that Taiwan’s military is actively monitoring Chinese activities to assess intentions and prepare necessary countermeasures. “We could not possibly allow the People’s Liberation Army to operate unopposed,” he affirmed.

A Strategy for Defence

The revised regulations underscore Taiwan’s preparedness to address increasing challenges from China. The reduction in alert range is a strategic adjustment to ensure quick responses as the risk of conflict in the Taiwan Strait continues to rise.

This policy change highlights Taiwan’s commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty amidst mounting regional tensions.

Taiwan Holds Air Defence Drill Amid China’s Joint Sword-2024C Plans

November 28, 2024, 10:29 pm

Taipei, November 28: Taiwan’s armed forces conducted a large-scale air defence drill on Thursday, strengthening their readiness as China prepares for its third major military exercise, Joint Sword-2024C, near the island.

The drill, held from 5 am to 7 am, involved Taiwan’s air, naval, and missile defence units. Fighter jets such as the Indigenous Defence Fighter (IDF), Mirage 2000, F-16, and C-130 transport planes were deployed alongside naval vessels and ground-based air defence missile systems.

Focus on Critical Defence Zones

According to Taiwan News, the exercise emphasised safeguarding the 24-nautical-mile contiguous zone east of Taiwan, commonly referred to as the “air raid alert line.” Forces practiced responses to potential sorties from Chinese Shenyang J-15 fighter jets launched from aircraft carriers like the Liaoning.

Integrated Defence Strategy

The drill incorporated cyber-electronic warfare and inter-branch cooperation among Taiwan’s armed forces. It focused on protecting critical positions and testing responses to aerial and missile threats.

China’s Military Exercises and Regional Tensions

China’s Liaoning aircraft carrier recently conducted exercises off Taiwan’s east coast in October, raising tensions in the region. Beijing is reportedly planning the Joint Sword-2024C exercise, which is expected to coincide with Taiwan President Lai Ching-te’s visit to South Pacific allies.

Taiwan’s Defence Preparations

The quarterly drills, previously known as the Lien Hsiang exercises, are a crucial component of Taiwan’s defence strategy. As China intensifies its military manoeuvres, Taiwan continues to enhance its readiness to counter threats, demonstrating its commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty.

US-Japan Military Plan Targets Taiwan Crisis, Deploying Missiles, Troops To Key Islands

November 24, 2024, 6:11 pm

United States and Japan are finalizing a joint military plan to address a potential emergency in Taiwan, with missile deployments being a key component, Japanese news agency Kyodo reported on Sunday.

Expected to be completed next month, the plan includes positioning US missile units in Japan’s southwestern Nansei Islands, which include the Kagoshima and Okinawa prefectures, as well as in the Philippines. US Marine Corps’ Marine Littoral Regiment, equipped with High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and other advanced weaponry, will be stationed in the Nansei Islands, according to Kyodo.

Additionally, a US unit specializing in space, cyberspace, and electromagnetic warfare is set to be deployed in the Philippines.

The Japanese defense ministry, as well as the US and Philippine embassies in Tokyo, did not respond to requests for comment on the report. The joint plan reflects growing security concerns in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly regarding Taiwan, amid increasing Chinese military activity.

China Encircles Taiwan With War Drills, Escalating Post-National Day Tensions

October 14, 2024, 11:07 am

China’s military launched a new series of war games near Taiwan, just days after the island celebrated its National Day. The exercises, dubbed “Joint Sword-2024B”, involve ships and aircraft positioned to the north, south, and east of Taiwan, according to Captain Li Xi, spokesman for the Chinese military’s Eastern Theatre Command. As of Monday, Chinese state media reports that 25 PLA aircraft and 11 ships, including seven from the navy, are operating around Taiwan.

Taiwan

Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense responded to the maneuvers, condemning them as “irrational and provocative.” The ministry emphasized its desire to avoid direct confrontations but accused China of threatening regional security and undermining the rules-based international order. In response to the exercises, Taiwan’s military has been placed on heightened alert, deploying aircraft and ships while closely monitoring any Chinese missile movements. The ministry also urged the Taiwanese public to remain vigilant against potential misinformation from China.

The office of Taiwanese President William Lai also issued a statement, calling on China to respect Taiwan’s democratic system and refrain from further military provocations. “Our government will continue to defend our constitutional system of democracy and freedom. We are confident and capable of safeguarding national security,” the statement read. Lai’s office stressed that maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is a shared responsibility.

The Biden administration in the United States also weighed in, criticizing China’s drills as unnecessary. US officials said they are closely monitoring the situation and called on China to avoid actions that could further destabilize the region. The US State Department reiterated its commitment to regional peace, prosperity, and security, emphasizing that China’s actions are of international concern.

Meanwhile Taiwanese fighter jets taking off and landing at Hsinchu Air Base, and military land vehicles in motion, signaling Taiwan’s readiness to respond if necessary. The defense ministry confirmed its deployment of aircraft and ships in response to the increasing military presence near its coast.

Taiwan President Stands Firm: “We Are a Sovereign Nation, Not China”

October 6, 2024, 2:28 pm

Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te has declared it “impossible” for the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to be considered Taiwan’s motherland, citing the island’s deeper political history. Lai, who took office in May, is labeled a separatist by Beijing and firmly rejects its sovereignty claims. He asserts that Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China (ROC), has roots dating back to the 1911 revolution that ended the last imperial dynasty.

The Chinese nationalist government retreated to Taiwan in 1949 after losing a civil war to Mao Zedong’s communist forces, which established the PRC. During a concert preceding Taiwan’s national day on October 10, Lai noted the PRC recently celebrated its 75th anniversary on October 1, while the ROC will mark its 113th birthday shortly.

“In terms of age, it is absolutely impossible for the People’s Republic of China to become the motherland of the Republic of China’s people,” Lai stated, prompting applause from the audience. He added, “On the contrary, the Republic of China may be the motherland of the people of the People’s Republic of China who are over 75 years old.”

Lai emphasized the significance of the upcoming celebrations, reminding attendees of Taiwan’s status as a “sovereign and independent country.”

The Chinese government, under President Xi Jinping, continues to assert its claim over Taiwan. In a recent speech, Xi reiterated that Taiwan is part of China’s territory.

Lai has previously challenged China’s historical claims, suggesting that if the PRC is concerned about territorial integrity, it should also reclaim lands ceded to Russia in the 19th century. Lai is set to deliver a keynote address on Taiwan’s national day on October 10.

Japanese Warship Passes Through Taiwan Strait For First Time Amid Tensions

September 26, 2024, 3:17 pm

In a historic first, the Japanese warship JS Sazanami, a naval destroyer, traversed the Taiwan Strait from north to south on Wednesday. Reports indicate that the vessel was accompanied by ships from Australia and New Zealand, en route to military exercises in the South China Sea. This significant maneuver by Japan marks a departure from its previous policy of avoiding navigation through the strait to prevent escalating tensions with China, which asserts sovereignty over Taiwan and the surrounding waters.

While neither Japan, Taiwan, nor China has made official statements regarding the passage, Chinese state media outlet Global Times reported that the Chinese military monitored the warship throughout its transit. This move comes amid an increase in naval patrols by the US and its allies, aimed at asserting freedom of navigation in the Taiwan Strait, a vital shipping route that handles around half of the global container fleet.

For decades, the US Pacific fleet was the sole foreign navy regularly transiting the strait, but it has recently been joined by naval forces from Canada, Australia, Britain, and France. Just two weeks ago, Germany sent two navy vessels through the strait for the first time in 22 years, prompting criticism from China, which accused Berlin of heightening security risks.

These naval movements serve a political purpose, signaling to China that the US and its allies do not acknowledge Beijing’s territorial claims. Japan’s action represents a notable shift from its longstanding strategy of avoiding direct challenges to China’s maritime activities.

In response to escalating military activities by China, including increased airspace violations, Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary expressed a heightened sense of crisis. Meanwhile, Taiwan has noted a rise in Chinese military aircraft operations near the island.

Experts believe that Japan’s naval passage is part of a broader trend of countries in and beyond Asia increasing their naval presence in response to China’s assertiveness. The leaders of the Quad nations Japan, Australia, India, and the US recently agreed to enhance maritime security cooperation to counter China’s growing influence in the region.