China launched its most extensive war games around Taiwan on Monday to showcase Beijing’s ability to cut off the island from outside support in a conflict, testing Taipei’s resolve to defend itself and its arsenal of U.S.-made weapons.
The Eastern Theatre Command said it had deployed troops, warships, fighter jets and artillery for its “Justice Mission 2025” exercises to encircle the democratically governed island, conduct live fire and simulated strikes on land and sea targets, and drills to blockade Taiwan’s main ports.
The live-firing exercises will continue on Tuesday across a record seven zones designated by China’s Maritime Safety Administration, making the drills the largest to date by total coverage and in areas closer to Taiwan than previous exercises. The military had initially said artillery firing would be confined to five zones.
Can you explain how encircling Taiwan helps with that blockade? Keep in mind there are actual us military bases in japan, and Japan is not the one being encircled. You’d think if the intention was in defense of an American offensive the island with the military bases would receive the most focus. It’s not, which suggests that it isn’t a defensive exercise with the intent of counteracting an American offensive.
This whole thing is a response to Taiwan spending $11bn in US weapons, of course the exercise is about Taiwan, what are you talking about?