Janice R. Andrews
BEIJING — China has ramped up pressure on Taiwan by announcing military drills near the island, accompanied by increasingly forceful reunification rhetoric. Wang Huning, China’s fourth-ranking official in charge of Taiwan affairs, called for the nation to “shape the inevitable reunification of the motherland,” signaling a more aggressive approach toward the self-governing democracy.
Chinese state media have amplified this messaging, with People’s Daily turning Wang’s statement into a trending social media hashtag. While this language suggests Beijing is adopting a more proactive strategy, analysts believe an immediate invasion remains unlikely, citing China’s economic challenges and ongoing military corruption investigations.
China’s Defense Ministry has scheduled exercises 40 nautical miles from Taiwan’s southern coast, though no specific date was provided. Taiwan’s military expressed concern that these drills threaten regional stability and pose risks to civilian and commercial vessels.
Relations have further deteriorated after Taiwan detained a Chinese-crewed freighter suspected of damaging a crucial undersea communications cable. Taipei is investigating potential sabotage, while Beijing has dismissed these allegations as politically motivated.
Wang also emphasized China’s determination to prevent foreign interference, an implicit reference to the United States, which provides diplomatic and military support to Taiwan. Recently, the U.S. State Department quietly removed language stating it does “not support Taiwan independence,” a change welcomed in Taipei but criticized by Beijing.
Observers note that China appears to believe strategic patience will work in its favor, allowing for continued diplomatic isolation and military pressure on Taiwan.
