China this month used the meeting between President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) and US House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy as a pretext to launch military drills around Taiwan, during which a significant number of Chinese warplanes crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait.
For the first time, China’s Shandong aircraft carrier sailed through waters south of Taiwan. From April 7 to 9, there were 120 takeoffs and landings on the vessel.
Four J-15 carrier-based fighter jets encroached on the southeastern part of Taiwan’s air defense identification zone, the Ministry of National Defense said.
In August last year, Beijing was upset by then-US House speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan. The Chinese government carried out a series of live-fire drills in six areas around Taiwan and launched Dongfeng missiles over the nation. It contravened international law and shocked the world.
Over the past two years, China has conducted high-handed military intrusions. Beijing not only poses a serious threat to the stability in the Taiwan Strait, but also antagonized the international community with its live-fire drills.
Democratic countries should be alert to the situation.
China’s reckless military activities have threatened Taiwan’s territorial waters and airspace. Given the situation, Taiwan and the US should rework their military collaborations.
The joint effort should not be limited to existing projects, such as providing Taiwan with defensive weapons, exchanges between military personnel, sharing military intelligence and arranging US military personnel to observe the annual Han Kuang military exercises.
These projects focus on tactics, but they should be developed into strategic collaborations. Only in doing so could Taiwan and the US effectively cope with China’s increasing military provocations.
Last year, the US’ National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2023 was passed by the US Congress, demonstrating Washington’s growing attention to the situation in the Taiwan Strait.
The act emphasizes that military drills should be jointly carried out by Taiwan and the US. The US should mobilize its agencies to enhance the defense readiness conditions of Taiwan and the US, it says.
In particular, it is crucial for the US Department of Defense and the Ministry of National Defense to conduct military drills together.
The act also recommends that Washington invite Taiwan to attend next year’s Rim of the Pacific exercises.
The US Indo-Pacific Command leads the Rim of the Pacific exercises every two years around Hawaii. It is the world’s largest international maritime warfare drill event. More than 20 states including the UK, France, Germany, Japan and Australia participate.
The Chinese People’s Liberation Army joined twice in 2014 and 2016, but over the past few years, China’s military expansion in the South China Sea has caused anxiety in the Asia-Pacific region, while the relationship between China and the US has worsened.
The US did not invite China to participate in 2018, but Taiwan was invited to send military officers as observers.
The involvement of Taiwan’s navy next year is key to a renewed relationship with the US. The military collaboration needs a major breakthrough.
Stability in the Taiwan Strait is not only a regional issue, but is a concern for the entire world.
However, the Taiwan-US military collaboration cannot guarantee the security around Taiwan.
From a global perspective, and given an understanding of the geopolitical circumstances and security strategies, Taiwan must establish pragmatic military exchanges with allies in the Asia-Pacific region.
If Taiwan can participate in military exercises led by the US or other allies, its armed forces would obtain valuable training and engage more deeply with operational practices.
Moreover, Taiwan would consolidate alliances with nearby countries and improve its defense readiness.
Only in doing so can China be deterred. This is the only way to respond effectively to a potential war in the Taiwan Strait.
Yao Chung-yuan is an adjunct professor and former deputy director of the Ministry of National Defense’s strategic planning department.
Translated by Emma Liu
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