Context:
China has intensified military pressure on Taiwan by conducting live-fire exercises for the second consecutive day, involving missile launches and naval–air coordination. The drills, viewed as a simulation of blockade and coercive military action, have escalated regional tensions amid U.S. arms sales to Taiwan and growing security concerns in the Indo-Pacific.
Key Highlights:
Nature of the Military Drills
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China conducted live-fire drills code-named “Justice Mission 2025” around Taiwan.
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Exercises involved missiles, fighter aircraft, and naval vessels.
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Simulations included blockade of Taiwanese ports and attacks on maritime targets.
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The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) carried out long-range missile firing in waters north of Taiwan.
Responses & Reactions
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Taiwan condemned the drills as “highly provocative and reckless”.
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The exercises followed U.S. arms sales to Taiwan and Japanese statements hinting at potential military involvement in a Taiwan contingency.
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Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi asserted that attempts to obstruct China’s unification would fail and warned against U.S. military support to Taiwan.
Strategic Significance
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Drills reflect China’s intent to demonstrate military readiness and deterrence capability.
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Simulated blockade signals a grey-zone coercion strategy, short of full-scale war.
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Raises concerns over freedom of navigation, regional stability, and escalation risks.
Relevant Prelims Points:
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Issue: Escalation of military tensions in the Taiwan Strait.
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Causes:
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China’s claim over Taiwan as sovereign territory
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U.S. arms sales and security assurances to Taiwan
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Key Concepts:
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Military Blockade: Prevention of entry or exit to exert pressure or during war
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Sovereign Territory: Area under exclusive legal authority of a state
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Impact:
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Heightened regional insecurity
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Increased militarisation of the Indo-Pacific
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Relevant Mains Points:
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Background & Claims:
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China views Taiwan as a breakaway province and has not ruled out use of force.
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Taiwan maintains de facto autonomy with limited international recognition.
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International Relations Dimension:
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U.S. follows “One China Policy” but supports Taiwan through arms sales.
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Japan’s security concerns stem from proximity and sea-lane vulnerabilities.
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Security Implications:
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Risk of miscalculation leading to conflict
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Challenges to rules-based order and maritime security
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Way Forward:
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De-escalation through dialogue and confidence-building measures
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Strengthening regional multilateral mechanisms
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Upholding international law and peaceful resolution of disputes
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UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
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GS 2: International Relations, Indo-Pacific geopolitics
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GS 3: Internal Security, Regional and Global Security Challenges
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Prelims: Taiwan Strait, military blockade, sovereignty