Editorial | Powerful PLA drill shows US arms sales don’t help Taiwan Strait stability
As the US risks sending the wrong signal to Taiwan, Beijing has responded with an unambiguous warning against the island moving towards independence
The drill is meant to show deterrence and project power, including the capability to enforce a blockade of the self-ruled island.
PLA drills around Taiwan frequently coincide with or closely follow announcements of US military aid or high-level official interactions with Taiwan, serving as Beijing’s direct response to perceived provocations and a signal of PLA readiness to do whatever it takes to protect Chinese sovereignty.
What set the latest exercise apart was the closeness of operations to land, as the PLA blockaded the island with stealth fighters, drones, destroyers and missile launchers, conducting live-fire drills and simulated strikes on land and sea targets.
Beijing sees Taiwan as part of China, to be reunited by force if necessary. Most countries, including the US and Japan, do not recognise Taiwan as an independent state, but Washington is opposed to any attempt to take the self-governed island by force and is committed to supplying it with weapons.