China ends Taiwan military exercises: details and messages

China officially announced on Wednesday the conclusion of its extensive military exercises around Taiwan, asserting that participating forces had "successfully completed their mission." This announcement ended a period of regional and international anticipation, as the drills included simulations of a full-scale blockade and precision attacks on maritime and land targets.

Details of the announcement of the end of the maneuvers

Captain Li Xi, spokesperson for the Eastern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), stated in an official statement that the command had successfully completed the "Justice Mission 2025" exercises. The statement explained that these exercises included live-fire drills, simulated capture of key ports, and strikes against strategic targets, reflecting the development of the PLA's combat capabilities in joint operations.

The military spokesman stressed that Chinese forces would remain on high alert and would continue intensive military training "in order to resolutely thwart attempts by separatists seeking Taiwan's independence and foreign interference," in a clear reference to Western, and specifically American, support for the self-governing island.

Historical context and roots of tension

This event cannot be understood in isolation from the complex historical context of cross-strait relations. Since the end of the Chinese Civil War in 1949 and the Nationalist government's retreat to Taiwan, Beijing has considered the island an integral part of its territory and has repeatedly vowed to annex it, by force if necessary. Taiwan, on the other hand, functions as an independent democratic entity with its own government, military, and currency, and rejects Chinese claims of sovereignty.

These maneuvers come as part of a series of periodic escalations, often coinciding with major political events, such as the inauguration of new leaders in Taiwan or visits by high-level foreign officials, where Beijing uses military force as a tool of political pressure to assert the "One China" principle.

Strategic importance and international influence

These maneuvers are of paramount importance, extending beyond the local dimension to the international arena, for several key reasons:

• Geopolitical location: Taiwan lies at the heart of the "First Island Chain," a region vital to Chinese national security and to American influence in the Pacific. Any change to the status quo could upset the balance of power in Asia.
• The global economy: A significant portion of global trade passes through the Taiwan Strait, and Taiwan is the world's leading manufacturer of semiconductors and advanced electronic chips. Any actual blockade or military conflict could cripple global technology supply chains.
• Regional alliances: These moves are causing concern among neighboring countries such as Japan and the Philippines, and are pushing the United States to strengthen its military presence in the region, increasing the risk of direct friction between the superpowers.

In conclusion, despite the announcement of the end of this round of maneuvers, observers believe that Beijing has succeeded in establishing a "new normal" characterized by an increased military presence around the island, thus keeping the region in a state of constant tension.