China has launched extensive military exercises around Taiwan after President Tsai Ing-wen met with US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy last week. Beijing had warned that such a meeting would provoke a strong response.
Over the course of two days, Chinese forces conducted simulated targeted strikes and effectively surrounded the island. The drills involved “sealing” Taiwan off, increasing fears of a possible blockade. Notably, one of China’s two aircraft carriers participated in these operations, indicating serious intent.
Despite repeated calls from the US for calm, the USS Milius, a guided-missile destroyer, sailed through contested areas of the South China Sea on Monday. China condemned the move as an “illegal intrusion” into its territorial waters. The US defended the patrol as a necessary demonstration to protect freedom of navigation and lawful sea rights.
The upcoming live-fire drills near China’s Fujian coastline—approximately 80 kilometers from the Matsu islands and less than 200 kilometers from Taipei—have raised concerns among many Taiwanese about the possibility of a wider conflict. Lin Ke-qiang, a 60-year-old chef living in the Matsu archipelago, expressed common worries: “We just want peaceful, stable lives. With China’s advanced missiles, if war breaks out, we have no chance. Our side will be flattened.”
Since Taiwan split from mainland China in 1949, tensions have remained high. Beijing continues to claim the island as its territory. The US, while ambiguous about whether it would militarily defend Taiwan, continues to sell arms and provide political support. McCarthy’s meeting with Tsai was intended as a diplomatic balance—demonstrating US backing without overtly provoking Beijing.
However, China’s stern warnings and increased military activity highlight the fragile and high-stakes nature of this regional power struggle.
Originally published by UKNIP.
