China has flooded the East Asian waters with its military assets. At a high point, it had over 100 naval and coast guard ships deployed. Tensions between the nations have increased in recent months due to Taiwan, which China says is its territory. Taiwan’s government has consistently and vehemently opposed Beijing’s claims. Adding to this already difficult situation have been recent aggressive maneuvers on the part of Chinese military aircraft. These actions have set off alarms in other countries in the region.
Back in June, Chinese jets performed risky maneuvers within feet of a Japanese surveillance plane off the coast of Okinawa. This event is an unfortunate, but contemporary, reminder of the aggressive stance that China has adopted in recent years against its neighbors in the region. The Chinese government has long argued that its military activities are defensive in nature and a requisite for self-defense.
Chinese Military Maneuvers
Thus far China’s military has successfully launched J-15 jets from its new Liaoning aircraft carrier. This carrier transited south through the middle of the Okinawan island chain, supported by three missile-destroyers. The goal of these military exercises is to re-establish control over the whole region. They are cumulatively sharpening China’s claims over Taiwan, as well.
Colonel Wang Xuemeng, a spokesperson for China’s navy, claimed that Japanese aircraft have frequently threatened China’s navy during exercises. Their presence has forcefully interrupted military exercises and increased military tension. He emphasized that the Chinese Navy will take “necessary measures in accordance with the law to resolutely safeguard its own security and legitimate rights and interests.”
“We solemnly demand that the Japanese side immediately stop slandering and smearing and strictly restrain front-line actions.”
China has furthered previously announced carrier-based flight training east of the Miyako Strait. Chinese state media states that these activities are search-and-rescue exercises in central waters. Jointly, they zero in on patrolling high-traffic “hot spots” and areas with a high volume of traffic accidents.
Taiwan and Regional Implications
The mounting military coercion toward Taiwan is the core of China’s strategy. Taiwan’s coast guard condemned China’s characterization of its operations in the Taiwan Strait, calling them “misleading and false.” They claimed that China’s activities are intended to intimidate Taiwan and carry out psychological warfare.
China’s stance on Taiwan remains firm, with President Xi Jinping previously asserting that Taiwan’s return to China is critical to Beijing’s vision for global order. As tensions escalate, Taiwan’s government continues to reject China’s claims and asserts its independence.
In recognition of these trends, Australia has become increasingly alarmed at China’s activities. Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles stated, “We are deeply concerned by the actions of China in the last 24 hours. We will continue to work with Japan and stand with Japan in upholding that rules-based order.”
Diplomatic Fallout
These rising military endeavors have led to rising diplomatic tensions with not just Japan and Taiwan. Just last week, China warned its citizens not to travel to Japan, worsening their bilateral relations even more. China has delayed its plans to resume seafood imports. This decision follows Japan’s recent release of treated water from the crippled Fukushima nuclear plant.
Taken together, this sequence of events represents a dramatic mix of chest-thumping military bluster and high-level diplomacy in East Asia. As countries try to figure out how to address China’s more aggressive actions, developments are coming fast and furiously.
