China’s President Xi Jinping recently made a rare visit to a province facing Taiwan, following extensive military exercises that involved China’s navy, air force, missile force, and land troops. These exercises simulated a blockade of the self-governing island democracy that Beijing claims as its territory and has threatened to annex by force.
During his visit to Fujian province, Xi did not comment on the military exercises, according to the official Xinhua News Agency. However, his presence came shortly after China deployed a record 125 aircraft, along with its Liaoning aircraft carrier and ships, for large-scale military drills surrounding Taiwan and its outlying islands.
Xi has maintained a low profile in public appearances and foreign travel over the past year. Nevertheless, bringing Taiwan under Beijing’s control remains a key objective for his administration as the leader of the ruling Communist Party and the People’s Liberation Army.
The newly elected president of Taiwan, Lai Ching-te, has faced criticism from Beijing for rejecting its stance that Taiwan is part of China. The military drills occurred just four days after Taiwan celebrated the founding of its government on National Day. President Lai Ching-te emphasised in a speech that China has no authority to represent Taiwan and affirmed his commitment to resisting annexation or encroachment.
Historically, Taiwan was a Japanese colony before being integrated with China at the end of World War II. In 1949, it separated from China when Chiang Kai-shek’s Nationalists fled to the island following their defeat by Mao Zedong’s Communists in a civil war.
Xi Jinping’s visit to the province facing Taiwan and the recent military exercises underscore the ongoing tension between China and Taiwan, with Beijing asserting its claim over the island while Taiwan maintains its independence and sovereignty.