China is likely to initiate military drills near Taiwan in the coming days, coinciding with Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te’s visit to Pacific allies and transit through the US. This is seen as a pretext to escalate tensions over Taiwan, a key flashpoint in US-China relations.

BulletsIn

• Taiwan expects China to stage military drills during President Lai’s Pacific trip starting Saturday.
• Lai to visit Taiwan’s three Pacific allies, with stops in Hawaii and possibly Guam.
• China opposes Lai’s US transit, calling him a “separatist.”
• Beijing may escalate naval and air drills near Taiwan, potentially branding them as “Joint Sword – 2024C.”
• Previous Chinese military exercises near Taiwan were conducted in May and October 2024.
• Targeted exercises expected towards the end of Lai’s trip, signaling China’s opposition.
• China claims Taiwan as its territory and uses such drills to pressure the island.
• Neither China’s defence ministry nor Taiwan Affairs Office commented on the matter.
• The visit follows closely after the US election, adding geopolitical significance.
• Taiwan says drills could “repackage” ongoing activities in the South or East China Seas.