Taiwan’s military carried out an early morning air defence drill on Thursday (Nov 28), testing its response and engagement procedures just days ahead of President Lai Ching-te’s diplomatic trip to the Pacific, which includes planned transit stops in the United States. The exercise comes amid escalating tensions with China, which views Lai’s visit and US transit as provocations, according to both Taiwan’s defence ministry and regional security experts.
The two-hour exercise, which began at 5 a.m., involved aircraft, ships, and missile systems operating in a simulated air defence battle. Taiwan’s air force command described the drill as part of its quarterly training schedule, aimed at enhancing operational readiness and bolstering the overall effectiveness of the island’s air defence forces.
“In the face of changes in the enemy situation, we will continue to enhance defence resilience through various practical training to anticipate potential threats and challenges and ensure air defence security,” the air force command said in a statement.
Though officials emphasized the routine nature of the drill, its timing suggests preparations for potential provocations by China, particularly in response to President Lai’s planned trip and stopovers in the US.
Taiwanese and regional security officials anticipate that China will stage military drills near Taiwan in the coming days, using Lai’s trip as a pretext. Beijing, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory, has repeatedly expressed hostility toward Lai, labeling him a “separatist.” Despite these accusations, Lai maintains that only the people of Taiwan have the authority to determine their future and has repeatedly extended offers for dialogue with Beijing, which have gone unanswered.
On Wednesday, China’s government denounced the planned US stopovers as “essentially provocative acts that violate the one-China principle.” Beijing has historically responded to such moves with military maneuvers, asserting its opposition to any actions it interprets as undermining its sovereignty over Taiwan.
China has conducted two rounds of large-scale war games around Taiwan in 2023, showcasing its military capabilities and applying pressure on the island. In addition, China regularly deploys aircraft and naval vessels into Taiwan’s air defense identification zone (ADIZ) and surrounding waters, actions Taiwan has described as provocative and destabilizing.
Taiwan has also reported instances of Chinese balloons flying near its territory, part of what officials call a broader campaign of harassment. On Wednesday, Taiwan’s defense ministry confirmed the sighting of two Chinese balloons at sea, located 111 kilometers and 163 kilometers north of the port city of Keelung.
These activities have placed Taiwan on high alert, with military drills such as Thursday’s exercise viewed as crucial to maintaining readiness in the face of persistent threats.
President Lai Ching-te is scheduled to leave Taiwan on Saturday for a diplomatic tour of Pacific allies. While the specific details of his US transit have yet to be officially confirmed, an announcement is expected as early as Friday. Taiwan’s presidential office has preemptively criticized any potential Chinese military response to Lai’s trip, characterizing such actions as “a blatant provocation of the status quo of peace and stability in the region.”
The stopovers in the United States are seen as diplomatically significant but contentious. While Taiwan views them as routine and necessary for maintaining international relations, Beijing interprets them as an affront to its “one-China principle,” which asserts that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China.
Lai’s trip and the anticipated Chinese reaction highlight the increasing tension between China, Taiwan, and the United States. The region has become a focal point for broader geopolitical rivalry, with Washington signaling strong support for Taiwan through arms sales, visits by high-ranking officials, and deepening economic ties.
However, China has consistently condemned these developments, framing them as efforts to embolden Taiwan’s independence movement. In response, Beijing has intensified military activities near the island, fueling concerns about a potential crisis in the Taiwan Strait.
Taiwan’s civilian population, well aware of the ongoing tensions, has adapted to frequent military drills and heightened alerts. Reuters correspondents in Taipei reported hearing fighter jets in the early morning skies on Thursday, an increasingly common occurrence as Taiwan reinforces its defences.
Although the government and military assure the public of their preparedness, the prospect of military escalation remains a concern for many residents. Recent opinion polls indicate strong support among Taiwanese citizens for maintaining a robust defense capability, reflecting widespread awareness of the challenges posed by China.
Lai’s trip is part of a broader strategy by Taiwan to strengthen its alliances in the Pacific, a region where Beijing has been expanding its influence through economic and diplomatic initiatives. Taiwan’s partnerships with Pacific nations such as Palau, Tuvalu, and the Marshall Islands are critical for its international standing, particularly as China continues to pressure countries to sever official ties with Taipei.
The United States, for its part, has sought to reassure Taiwan of its commitment to regional security, emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. While US officials have refrained from commenting on Lai’s planned stopovers, they are widely viewed as symbolic demonstrations of support for Taiwan’s sovereignty.
China’s likely military drills in response to Lai’s trip will serve as a reminder of Beijing’s uncompromising stance on Taiwan. Analysts expect these exercises to mirror past displays of force, such as simulated blockades and missile launches into waters near the island. Such maneuvers are not only meant to intimidate Taiwan but also to signal to the United States and its allies that Beijing will not tolerate perceived challenges to its territorial claims.
As tensions escalate, observers warn of the risks associated with miscalculations or unintended confrontations. The international community, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, will be closely monitoring developments in the coming days.
