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.

  • Socialism_Everyday@reddthat.com
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    2
    arrow-down
    4
    ·
    10 hours ago

    In case of military conflict between Taiwan and China, what’s your point? You just assume that it’s a Chinese military invasion of Taiwan because you’re a propagandized westerner, but it could very well be an economic blockade of the China sea by US + regional puppets

    • papertowels@mander.xyz
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      2
      arrow-down
      1
      ·
      9 hours ago

      but it could very well be an economic blockade of the China sea by US + regional puppets

      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.

      • Socialism_Everyday@reddthat.com
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        1
        arrow-down
        1
        ·
        7 hours ago

        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?

        • papertowels@mander.xyz
          link
          fedilink
          English
          arrow-up
          1
          ·
          3 hours ago

          but it could very well be an economic blockade of the China sea by US + regional puppets

          You added an “s” at the end of puppets. That implies your proposal involves multiple countries. In your scenario, do you think it’s wise to ignore neighboring countries with us military bases?

          Where do you think the logistics routes for a potential blockade of the China sea would focus on? Imo military bases are a lot more important than a country just buying American weapons, because assets on an American base are in direct control of the Americans. If your proposed alternative reason is right, why the focus on Taiwan and not other countries?

          There’s also the little note of China building large, specialized naval craft coincidentally perfect for moving military forces onto taiwans beaches.