The China Coast Guard announced it was conducting patrols in the waters surrounding Taiwan as part of a large-scale military drill. Zhu Anqing, a spokesman for the East China Sea Bureau, confirmed that several Coast Guard vessels were engaged in law enforcement activities, including inspections, detentions, interceptions, and arrests, in line with the One-China principle.
These patrols, which the Chinese government describes as “a practical action to control the island of Taiwan,” are framed as a demonstration of China’s sovereignty over Taiwan. Beijing continues to assert that Taiwan is an integral part of the People’s Republic of China, despite Taiwan’s self-governance since 1949.
The drills, which include both naval and aerial components, are being coordinated by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command. They involve a range of forces, including land, missile, naval, and air units, and focus on a variety of military exercises. These include combat patrols, striking targets at sea and on land, and blocking transportation links and key locations of a presumed enemy.
Taiwan, which has functioned as a separate political entity for over seven decades, remains a contentious issue between Beijing and Taipei. The island’s government, led by its own administration since the Kuomintang’s retreat to Taiwan after their defeat in the Chinese Civil War, continues to assert its independence despite Chinese objections.
Beijing has long held that Taiwan is a province of China and that reunification is inevitable, emphasizing the One-China principle in its foreign and military policies. This stance has intensified tensions in the region, particularly in the wake of increased military activity and diplomatic support for Taiwan from the United States and other Western nations.
The recent drills highlight the ongoing geopolitical standoff between China and Taiwan, further complicating relations in East Asia. As China conducts these military exercises, Taiwan remains steadfast in its position of maintaining its autonomy.
