Taiwanese officials on Saturday reported that the Chinese military exercises surrounding the island of Taiwan resembled a “simulated attack against the main island of Taiwan and Taiwan’s naval vessels.” Day four activity included simulated land attacks and long-range missile airstrikes around the main island of Taiwan. Many of the missiles crossed over the island, with some landing in Japan’s exclusive economic zone. Drones were also reported hovering in and around the Taiwanese-controlled islands.
Chinese officials had warned Taiwan and the US that action would be taken if a delegation led by US Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan. The Chinese Communist Party viewed the visit as a show of support for Taiwan’s independence. Chinese President Xi and his party view Taiwan and its territory as under Chinese rule, vowing to “re-unify” Taiwan with the Chinese mainland.
In addition to the military exercises around Taiwan, the CCP has suspended communications with the US. China’s Foreign Ministry said dialogue between the U.S. and Chinese regional commanders and defense department heads would be canceled, along with talks on military maritime safety. The ministry said cooperation on returning illegal immigrants, criminal investigations, transnational crime, illegal drugs, and climate change would be suspended.
Political pundits suspect Xi’s over-the-top reaction is a show of strength to bolster his re-election effort as he runs for a historic third, five-year term. A two-term limit was implemented in 1982, but The National People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of China unanimously passed an amendment in 2018 to remove the two-term limit. This opens the door for Xi or future leaders to lead for life.
