China’s Taiwan Drills: Nationalism, Semiconductors, and the Looming Threat of War
Following Taiwan President Lai Ching-te’s characterization of China as a hostile force and Beijing’s rejection of dialogue, the Chinese military launched large-scale drills around Taiwan. These exercises, involving air, sea, and ground forces, were framed by China as a “stern warning” against Taiwanese independence, accompanied by significant propaganda portraying Lai as a “parasite.” Taiwan condemned the drills, deploying its own forces in response, while the PLA stated the actions were necessary to protect Chinese sovereignty. The increased intensity of these drills, exceeding previous exercises, is seen as a test of the U.S. response and a demonstration of China’s growing assertiveness in the region.
John Q. Hosedrinker