Part 10/13:
The recent Chinese military activity—described by Taiwanese military officials as forming "two walls," one encircling Taiwan and another along the island chain stretching from Japan to the Philippines—is a clear message of dominance. A Taiwanese Lieutenant General emphasized that China aims to demonstrate its capacity to isolate Taiwan and prevent U.S. and allied intervention.
Risks of Escalation
While China's official stance labels these exercises as routine training, regional observers warn that such military posturing could easily spiral into conflict. Training drills could evolve into full-scale military operations, particularly if miscalculations occur during high-tension moments like Tsai’s diplomatic activities or the U.S.'s provision of arms.