Taiwan is under increasing pressure from China and has warned that it sees the possibility of a full-scale invasion by 2025. Over the last several days, a record number of Chinese warplanes have entered its Air Defense Identification Zone alarming NATO allies and regional powers.
The surge in Chinese military activity coincides with large-scale exercises off the coast of Japan involving two U.S. carrier strike groups as well as Britain’s carrier strike group and ships from Japan’s Self-Defense Force. The Netherlands, New Zealand and Canada are also participating in the exercises with 17 ships and 4 aircraft carriers.
Over the past several weeks Chinese military activity has increased, causing concern among NATO allies who have stepped up their own freedom of navigation patrols in the region since the start of the year.
China views Taiwan as a breakaway province and has not ruled out a military invasion to recapture the island. With heightened military tensions, Taiwan’s Defense Minister, Chiu Kuo-cheng, has warned allies of an “accidental strike” which could plunge the region into conflict.
With global shipping and supply chains under strain, a military conflict between Taiwan and China could have significant economic ramifications for the region.
Despite recent military tensions, China and the U.S. have arranged meetings between their diplomats to discuss the security situation in Switzerland.
