Chinese President Xi Jinping made a rare appearance in Fujian province, across the Taiwan Strait, following large-scale military exercises that showcased China’s naval, air, missile, and land forces. The drills simulated a blockade around Taiwan, the self-governing island that Beijing claims as its territory and has repeatedly threatened to annex by force. While Xi did not comment on the exercises during his trip, his visit followed the deployment of a record number of Chinese aircraft and naval vessels, including the Liaoning aircraft carrier. These drills encircled Taiwan and its outlying islands, heightening tensions in the region and sending a strong signal to the international community about China’s intentions.
The military maneuvers came shortly after Taiwan’s National Day celebrations, during which the island’s newly elected president, Lai Ching-te, made a defiant speech asserting that China has no right to represent Taiwan. He emphasized his determination to resist annexation or encroachment, a stance that has drawn strong criticism from Beijing. Despite keeping a lower profile in terms of public engagements and international travel over the past year, the issue of Taiwan remains central to Xi Jinping’s agenda as the leader of the ruling Communist Party. His government continues to assert that Taiwan must be brought under Chinese control, a priority for his administration.
Tensions over Taiwan have persisted since the island’s separation from China in 1949, following the Communist victory in China’s Civil War. Chiang Kai-shek’s Nationalist forces retreated to Taiwan, establishing a government there. Beijing, however, has consistently maintained its claim over the island, viewing it as a breakaway province that must eventually be reunified with the mainland. The recent military drills served as a reminder of Beijing’s willingness to escalate tensions, with China regularly conducting aggressive exercises around Taiwan to demonstrate its military strength and resolve.
These displays of military strength have increased in both frequency and scale in recent years, as cross-strait relations continue to deteriorate. Taiwan’s administration faces mounting pressure from both Beijing and regional allies as it seeks to assert its independence while navigating a complex geopolitical landscape. China’s growing military presence in the region, along with its expanding global influence, has raised concerns among neighboring countries and international observers about the potential for conflict. The issue of Taiwan remains a sensitive and volatile point of contention between China and its neighbors, with both sides showing no signs of backing down from their respective positions.
Xi Jinping’s visit to Fujian province following the military exercises sends a clear message about China’s stance on Taiwan and its commitment to asserting control over the island. The deployment of a large number of military assets in the region demonstrates China’s willingness to use force if necessary to achieve its objectives. The international community will be closely watching the situation in the Taiwan Strait, as tensions continue to escalate and the risk of conflict grows. It remains to be seen how Taiwan, China, and other regional powers will navigate this volatile situation in the days and weeks ahead.
