China increases military exercises near Taiwan, surpasses US in air, maritime, and space capabilities

China’s military actions around Taiwan have escalated, with one top commander warning that their activities are not just drills, but “rehearsals” for potential future conflict. Adm. Samuel Paparo of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command expressed concern about China’s aggressive posture, which he believes poses a serious threat to not only Taiwan but also to the U.S. and their allies. The increased military pressure on Taiwan by China has been a cause for alarm, with Paparo noting that these actions are not just exercises but are meant to intimidate and potentially coerce Taiwan.

Beijing has long sought to assert its dominance over Taiwan in pursuit of “reunification” with mainland China, a move that has been met with opposition from the West and Taiwan itself. Taiwan considers itself a sovereign nation, but China and various international bodies do not officially recognize it as such. The U.S. has warned China against forcibly “reunifying” with Taiwan, as this would disrupt regional stability. Despite China’s attempts to intimidate Taiwan, Paparo noted that these actions have backfired, drawing global attention and accelerating Taiwan’s defense preparations in response.

In addition to China’s military aggression towards Taiwan, top military commanders are also concerned about China’s overall military capabilities surpassing those of the U.S. Paparo highlighted China’s advancements in various areas such as air missile, maritime, and space capabilities, as well as the production of fighters, ships, aircraft, and weaponry. China’s rapid production of combatants at a far greater rate than the U.S. has raised alarms about the need for the U.S. to address deficiencies in shipbuilding, combat logistics, labor recruitment, and retention. The trajectory of China’s military growth compared to the U.S. is worrying, and Paparo stressed the importance of addressing these challenges.

Taiwan’s President has taken measures to counter China’s influence, including expelling pro-Beijing agitators amid rising tensions. Taiwan continues to assert its independence and sovereignty, despite China’s efforts to undermine its position. The actions taken by Taiwan’s leadership demonstrate a commitment to defending against Chinese aggression and maintaining stability in the region. The relationship between China and Taiwan remains tense, with Taiwan striving to assert its autonomy while facing increasing pressure from Beijing.

The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command remains confident in its deterrence posture, but recognizes the need for a shift in trajectory to address the growing military capabilities of China. Paparo emphasized the importance of addressing the challenges posed by China’s military modernization and expansion, particularly in areas where the U.S. is falling behind. The U.S. must focus on improving its own capabilities in shipbuilding, combat logistics, and labor recruitment to maintain a competitive edge and ensure regional stability. As China continues to assert its dominance in the region, the U.S. and its allies must be prepared to counter any potential threats and uphold security in the Indo-Pacific region.