China intensifies military exercises around Taiwan

BarcelonaFor the second day in a row, the Chinese military has intensified its military exercises targeting Taiwan. Around the island, warships and military aircraft were seen, as well as live-fire simulations of attacks against strategic targets in Taiwan, such as ports and energy facilities, according to the Chinese military. In recent years, China has repeated this type of intimidating military maneuvers around Taiwan, often with live fire. At one point peak voltage for this type of exercise in 2021, the government of Taiwan has already warned that it fears Beijing may launch a full-scale invasion in 2025., which is when he estimated that the Chinese armed forces would be ready for such an operation.

The new exercises on Wednesday, part of Operation Strait Thunder-2025A, have taken place in the central and southern regions of the Taiwan Strait and in the East China Sea. The operation has included the deployment of the aircraft carrier Shandong, located about 400 km east of Taiwan. According to Chinese Colonel Shi Yi, spokesman for the Eastern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army, the objective of this new round of maneuvers is to assess Taiwan's blockade capability. Closing the seas and skies around Taiwan would be China's ultimate goal.

This Tuesday, Taiwan's Ministry of Defense reported the presence of 21 Chinese warships and 71 aircraft. Today, Wednesday, Taiwan reported that 76 Chinese military aircraft and 19 ships have entered the waters and airspace near the island. Of the 76 aircraft, 37 have reportedly crossed the Taiwan Strait, an unofficial border that China refuses to recognize.

According to Chinese officials, China's military presence these days is a response to statements by Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, who called China a "foreign hostile force." In addition, the president also presented 17 measures to combat Chinese espionage on the island, highlighting the restoration of military tribunals to try members of the armed forces accused of espionage.

The military exercises concluded on Wednesday. This was announced by Command spokesman Shi Yi in a statement on Weibo, stating that "the troops completed all designated tasks" during the joint exercises.

Three Chinese barges raise suspicions

In addition to these military maneuvers, China is conducting unusual maneuvers in the south of the country with three barges. About 400 km from the Chinese city of Guangzhou, Chinese authorities have been testing the landing of large ships using this facility that serves as a port and bridge. The barges can be connected to form a bridge of about 820 meters, which would allow China to establish a path to land troops and cargo ships on the coast of Taiwan.

Taiwan's western coast has few beaches and ports where it is easy to land, and these areas are heavily protected. With the use of the barges, China could have new locations to deploy troops, ships loaded with military vehicles, and other materials.

According to some American commanders and officials, President Xi Jinping has ordered the military to be able to take Taiwan by 2027, according to the New York TimesHowever, Xi has not explicitly stated that China intends to invade Taiwan.